Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jackie Speier, Assemblywoman of the 19th District of California, an extraordinary, history-making public servant who has protected the rights of many, with special attention to women, children, and consumers.
Jackie Speier has brought a new meaning to the word "courage" as
she has overcome tragedy in her own life and dedicated herself to
public service. In November 1978, as legal counsel for the late
Congressman, Leo J. Ryan, she accompanied the Congressman to Jonestown, Guyana to investigate charges that people were being held hostage by cult leader Rev. Jim Jones. On November 18, cult followers shot and killed Congressman Ryan while Jackie Speier was struck by five bullets. Later that day 911 cult members died.
Two years later, Jackie Speier became the youngest elected member of
the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. She served a second term and
was chair of the board in 1985.
In 1986, she became the first women elected to the 19th Assembly
District of California, continuing to break new ground legislatively. As the chair of the Assembly Committee on Consumer Protection, Governmental Efficiency, and Economic Development, she led the fight to uncover numerous acts of inefficiency, waste, and abuse of public resources by State bureaucrats who subsequently resigned from office. She also led investigations into unfair and illegal practices of auto manufacturers and dealers, and championed many proconsumer laws.
Jackie Speier's record of having bills signed into law is
unprecedented. Among her accomplishments, she has ensured the
advancement of women's rights and the protection of children. Some of
her legislative achievements include the requirement of insurers to
allow women to use their obstetrician-gynecologists as their primary
care physicians, creating a voluntary California income tax check-off
fund to support breast cancer research, creating the Women's Business
Ownership Act and Council, and legislation which would deny
professional and drivers licenses to those who fail to pay child
support.
Along with her extraordinary work in the legislature, she is the
devoted and proud mother of two children. Jackie Speier made
legislative history in 1988 when she became the first member of the
California Legislature to give birth while in office.
For her accomplishments, she has received a plethora of awards
including Legislator of the Year by the California State Bar
Association, Women Construction Owners and Executives, Leadership
California, National Mobilization Against AIDS, California Women
Lawyers, the National Organization for Women, and the Family Service
Council.
Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of Jackie Speier's friendship and
have had the honor of working with her as a colleague on the San Mateo
County Board of Supervisors. Few legislators are as effective, as
respected, and as historymaking as Jackie Speier. She is truly one of
California's most distinguished women and I ask my colleagues to join
me in honoring her today.