William L. Clay: “Representative Carson advocated and represented with distinction Indiana's Seventh Congressional District from 1997…”

“Representative Carson advocated and represented with distinction Indiana's Seventh Congressional District from 1997 until she passed away in the winter of 2007. The first woman and the first African American to represent Indiana's Seventh Congressional District, Congresswoman Carson worked her way up the ranks to be a prominent Member of this body and a friend and confidant to many of us. H.R. 5472 was first introduced by Carson's close colleague, Representative Peter Visclosky of Indiana, on February 14, 2008 and was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee on March 13, 2008 by voice vote. The measure has the support of over 45 Members of Congress and affords us a chance to recognize and pay tribute before the American public to a woman whose life serves as a testimony to the American dream. Her story is an inspiration to those who face insurmountable odds and reminds us that we live in a country where anything can be accomplished with diligence in one hand and dedication in the other. Julia Carson was born in Louisville, Kentucky on July 8, 1938 to a single teenage mother. Despite her apparent disadvantages, Congresswoman Carson overcame the odds she was dealt by fate and achieved extraordinary goals and objectives by faith.”