Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for my sister in service here, my indefatigable colleague from Wisconsin, who leads on so many issues of consequence, especially in the space of anti-poverty, the stabilization of family, and women's health. I appreciate her. I am so glad that we could take the time to pay tribute to the women who have come before us who have kicked open doors, broken ceilings, powered movements, blazed a trail, been role models, mentored us by their example, and more intentionally poured into us, if we had the privilege to serve alongside them. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Moore as well for her sisterhood and her mentorship. Mr. Speaker, neither my mother, Sandy, or my father, Martin, raised me to ask permission to lead. I do believe that a parent is a child's first and best teacher. Instead of traditional bedtime stories of princes and knights in shining armor, my mother read me the powerful speeches of Black Congresswomen like Barbara Jordan and Shirley Chisholm. Since my formative years, I have felt this soul tie to Shirley Chisholm, long before my work led me to this Chamber. In fact, my first office here as a freshman in the 116th Congress was formerly Shirley Chisholm's office. Not only was Shirley--and I don't say that to be anyway disrespectful by not referring to her as a Congresswoman--but she is, in fact, so iconic that you can just say her first name and it is clear who you are talking about.…”