Deborah Koff Ross: “I thank Congresswoman Scholten for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former Ambassador Jeanette Hyde, who…”

“I thank Congresswoman Scholten for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former Ambassador Jeanette Hyde, who, sadly, passed away last month. A North Carolina native, Ambassador Hyde was a trailblazer who paved the path for generations of women in our State. Her contributions to our community span industries, from her time as a social worker and teacher to serving as the first woman on the North Carolina Board of Transportation. Ambassador Hyde was an active philanthropist, never forgetting her roots and always giving back to North Carolina causes and organizations. It is especially meaningful to celebrate her legacy during Women's History Month. As a leader and influential advocate, she pushed for ratification of the equal rights amendment and women's full participation in the political process. She never gave up on her vision of an America where every woman has a chance to make her voice heard. At a time when women are facing unprecedented attacks from the Trump administration, we should all seek to emulate Ambassador Hyde's grit and grace over the next 4 years. Like Jeanette, we cannot back down in the face of threats to women's healthcare, accessible childcare, equal pay, and more.”