Janice Schakowsky: “I rise today to honor Corinne Lindy Claiborne Boggs, a pioneer for all women in the U.S. Congress. As the first woman…”

“I rise today to honor Corinne Lindy Claiborne Boggs, a pioneer for all women in the U.S. Congress. As the first woman from Louisiana to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and as a founder of the Congressional Women's Caucus, Lindy Boggs helped pave the path for all women Members of Congress who have followed in her footsteps. When Lindy Boggs was elected to Congress in 1973, there were only 15 other women in the House of Representatives. Today there are 62 women in the House, and for the first time ever, a woman holds the second highest position in the Democratic party. Lindy Boggs is a model and inspiration for all of us who dedicate our lives to public service. She was the first woman to chair a national political convention in 1976 and served as the Ambassador to the Vatican under President Clinton from 1997 to 2000. I am proud to walk the same halls and work in the same Chamber where Lindy Boggs broke down so many barriers and led the way for so many to follow. I commend her for her leadership, spirit, and vision, and urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 439 Honoring Corrine "Lindy" Claiborne Boggs on the Occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Founding of the Congressional Women's Caucus.”