Chris Van Hollen: “I rise today to honor the life and service of the late Congresswoman Beverly Byron. For over a decade, Congresswoman…”

“I rise today to honor the life and service of the late Congresswoman Beverly Byron. For over a decade, Congresswoman Byron served western Maryland. She fought to advance the interests of her constituents and was a strong advocate for our national security. Congresswoman Byron has left a lasting legacy for the people of Maryland and our Nation. When Congresswoman Byron was elected in 1978, she was one of only 16 women elected to the House of Representatives that year. She became a trailblazer, especially for women in the national security arena. A strong supporter of a robust national defense, she became the first woman to chair a subcommittee of the Armed Services Committee. Congresswoman Byron also advanced opportunities for women serving in our armed forces. She sponsored legislation to reorganize the military child care system, open combat roles, and fight against gender-based restrictions. Through the 1991 Byron amendment to the Defense Authorization Act, women gained the right to fly combat missions in the Marines, Navy, Air Force, and the Army. After serving in Congress, Congresswoman Byron continued to work to protect our Nation. She served on the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission and continued to offer her guidance on women in the armed forces. Throughout her distinguished career, Congresswoman Byron has been a role model for many. When I sought public office and served in the House and Senate, I always valued her unvarnished advice.…”