Barbara Lee’s Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald
(Washington, DC) – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement on the passing of Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, Chair of the House Administration Committee:
“Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald was a tireless advocate for our communities and our nation, and her passing is a loss for all of us.
“She faced her illness with the same courage, strength and poise that characterized her work here in the nation's capitol.
“I have known Congresswoman Millender-McDonald since early 90's, when we served together in the California legislature, and she was a friend. We traveled to Africa together, and she always supported me and my efforts. I will miss her friendship, her strength and her positive outlook and optimism.
“As the first African American woman to chair a full committee in the House of Representatives, we will remember her as a trailblazer who was not afraid to break the glass ceiling and whose courage and experience helped to break new ground and change the way politics is conducted in our nation.
“Our deepest condolences go out to her family. They are in our thoughts and in our prayers.”
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