On the recordMarch 16, 2022
As we celebrate Women's History Month, we recognize the list of women who have contributed to moving the United States forward over the past 244 years. I rise today to recognize one trailblazer in particular, Virginia's current Lieutenant Governor, Winsome Sears. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Lieutenant Governor Sears moved to the United States at the age of 6 and has since dedicated her life to serving others and her country. Outside of politics, she ran a homeless shelter, provided ministry to prisoners, and spent 3 years wearing our Nation's uniform in the Marine Corps. It was also an honor to serve with Lieutenant Governor Sears in the Virginia House of Delegates. Since entering public office, Lieutenant Governor Sears has served as a Presidential appointee to the United States Census Bureau, as a distinguished member of the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, as the vice president of the Virginia State Board of Education, and, as I mentioned, as a delegate in the Virginia General Assembly. Upon her swearing-in on January 15 of this year, she became the first female veteran to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia and the first Black woman to hold statewide office in the Commonwealth. We applaud the Lieutenant Governor's lifelong accomplishments and thank her for her service to her community, her Commonwealth, and her country. ____________________
