On the recordApril 9, 2025
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable human being, a dear friend, Francie Pepper. Francie, at her core, was a mom and a grandmother but also an advocate, a philanthropist, and a champion for women and children. Francie led enormous change for survivors of domestic violence. It is just one of many examples of the impact she had, but a critical one. She never stopped fighting for what she knew was right. Her home in Cincinnati was a place for community and community change. She built coalitions and inspired generations of public servants, including me. Francie wasn't just a leader. She was a force. I am who I am in part because of her. That is true for so many of us. We are the beneficiaries of her grit and her toughness and her love. ____________________
