Congresswoman Matsui's Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald
Monday, April 23, 2007
Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui issued the following statement upon learning of the death of Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald:
I am profoundly saddened by Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald's passing.On Saturday, the people of California lost a pioneering woman, a fearless advocate for justice and equality, and a remarkable trailblazer who used her public office to improve the lives of others.
As the first African-American woman ever to wield the gavel of the Committee on House Administration, Juanita Millender-McDonald embodied all that Members of Congress strive to be.She was committed to her constituents, she relished tackling difficult problems, and she worked every day to strengthen and reinforce our country's democratic process.
Even as Congresswoman Millender-McDonald's illness grew worse, she never neglected her role as a public figure.Her tenure in the House of Representatives was marked by exceptionally steady and fair conduct that her successor will do well to emulate.
I extend my deepest condolences to Congresswoman Millender-McDonald's family.While my fellow Members and I this week lost a trusted colleague, confidant, and friend, their loss resonates more deeply than we can know.Nonetheless, I know that I speak for all of the Congress when I say that Juanita Millender-McDonald was someone we admired on a personal and professional level, someone whose absence will leave a void within us, and someone whose legacy of principled and determined leadership will not be forgotten.
