June 18, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 12 16127 no American colleges were offering women women are still underrepresented in math, does not address. Negative stereotypes, sub- scholarships in swimming or most other com- science, and engineering-related fields. tle discrimination, and workplace practices that petitive sports. But today, just a generation Thanks in large part to Patsy’s work, a ma- indirectly adversely affect women are still per- later, NCAA women’s sports and professional jority of people agree that women should be vasive in our society. female sports leagues such as the WNBA are allowed to apply to college and graduate pro- Mr. Speaker, even in this great body, which thriving and giving women everywhere grams without facing discriminatory admis- is supposed to be representative of the Amer- chances to be superstars that they’ve never sions policies, sexual harassment in schools ican people, only 17 percent of our Members had before. when they do get in, or even a lack of athletic are female. Therefore, while we celebrate title But I think the most telling effect of title IX opportunities. We are well served by Patsy’s IX’s accomplishments over the last 35 years, is the fact that today, more women than men legacy, a true guiding star. it is necessary to remember that the struggle are attending college. Equal education for Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I for gender equity continues. women was rare before 1972, when many law rise today in support of H. Res. 406 and the I proudly commend Congresswoman and medical schools allowed a maximum of far reaching achievements of Title IX of the HIRONO for introducing this resolution which 15 women in per year, and when women were Education Amendments of 1972, also known celebrates the far reaching accomplishments often shut out of classes such as criminal jus- as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Oppor- of title IX. I look forward to the day that all tice and auto mechanics. Today, well over half tunity in Education Act. There is no question Americans are able to achieve their promise of all undergraduate college students are that women in this country have come a long regardless of their gender. women—and women outnumber men in grad- way in the past 35 years, and there is little Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Speaker, title IX of the uate school enrollment, including high-paying, doubt that much of that progress is a result of Education Amendments of 1972 changed ev- high-powered professional programs like law. title IX. erything about our college admissions proc- Title IX was all about opportunities. Title IX Prior to the passage of title IX, it was com- ess. Led by the late Representatives Patsy T. gave women new chances that they had never monplace for colleges and universities to Mink and Edith Green, Congress established a had before, and today, it is easy to see that refuse admission to women simply on the principle we often take for granted today—the women around the country are taking full ad- basis of their gender. Of the handful of female prohibition of gender discrimination in any fed- vantage of them. While you might be able to college professors, most taught at all-female erally funded educational program. The effects name only a few famous women making news colleges, received salaries lower than their of the law have been substantial. at the turn of the 20th century, it wouldn’t take male counterparts, and very few were ever In 1972, only 42 percent of Bachelors of you more than a minute to name dozens— awarded tenure. Back then, schools could Arts degrees were earned by women; by 2004 maybe even hundreds—of female news mak- deny women training in fields deemed ‘‘inap- that number rose to 57 percent. Only 9 per- ers at the turn of the 21st century. It’s amaz- propriate’’ such as woodworking or automotive cent of medical degrees were awarded to ing how many outstanding women have repair, and girls ere discouraged from studying women; now it’s above 45 percent. Not sur- carved out careers in journalism, science, law, math and science. Only 1 in 27 girls played prisingly, law degrees were the most imbal- politics, sports, and the arts—and disheart- high school sports, and female college ath- anced. In 1972, only 7 percent of law degrees ening to imagine the amazing women of the letes received only 2 percent of overall athletic were held by women and by 2004 almost 50 past who were never given the chance. I am budgets. percent went to women. Only 15 percent of excited to see what today’s little girls will do This landmark legislation, passed in 1972, PhD’s went to women before title IX and that with the opportunities title IX will provide to prohibits gender-based discrimination in feder- number is now close to 50 percent. them. ally funded education programs and activities. This progress is worth celebrating but we Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Its effects have been felt far beyond the class- strong support of this resolution honoring Title have plenty more to do. Title IX has as much room and athletic field. utility now as it did in 1972. Women continue IX and the woman who played a key role in Today, women earn undergraduate and its passage, Congresswoman Patsy Mink. I to face substantial barriers, especially in high graduate degrees at much higher rates, even was privileged to serve with Patsy on the Edu- wage fields such as science, technology, engi- comprising a majority of undergraduate and cation and Labor Committee from the time I neering and math. Sexual harassment remains graduate school enrollment. Women can no started serving in 1993. She took me under pervasive in schools and on college cam- longer be denied access to the vocational her wing and was a true mentor to me, inspir- puses. Women and girls’ sports teams still do courses of their choice, and girls now take ing me with her example. not receive an equal share of resources. There has been no stronger voice in Con- upper-level math and science classes at the Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield gress for girls, women, and minorities than same rate as boys. Additionally, female partici- back the remainder of my time. Patsy’s. Her work here has touched countless pation in intercollegiate athletics has increased The SPEAKER pro tempore. The women’s lives. Women today don’t have to by 400 percent over the past 30 years. In high question is on the motion offered by face the barriers and discrimination that Patsy school athletics, female participation has in- the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. faced when applying to graduate school. creased by 800 percent. HIRONO) that the House suspend the Her firsthand experience with gender dis- Title IX’s passage has allowed girls and rules and agree to the resolution, H. crimination—being denied admission to med- women to see no boundaries to their potential. Res. 406. ical school as a promising young science stu- Today, they can look around and see female The question was taken; and (two- dent—did not discourage her or break her doctors, lawyers, astronauts, CEOs of Fortune thirds being in the affirmative) the spirit, but sparked her desire for change. 500 companies, Nobel laureates and NASCAR rules were suspended and the resolu- Most importantly, when she overcame gen- drivers. They even have a female Speaker of tion was agreed to. der and racial barriers to climb the ladder of this House to serve as their role model. Title A motion to reconsider was laid on success, she did not kick that ladder aside for IX has led to the advancement of women in the table. other women; instead, she led the way and countless areas of our society. However, the f supported their upward rise, most importantly, work of title IX is not yet complete. DR. FRANCIS TOWNSEND POST paving the way with legislation such as Title Still today, women, on average, earn only OFFICE BUILDING IX. She never gave up the struggle to give 75 cents for every $1 a man earns. Even every child access to a quality education. more, women continue to lag behind men in Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I Her memory continues to be an inspiration earning doctoral and professional degrees. In move to suspend the rules and pass the for me on the Education and Labor committee academia, women earn less, hold lower rank- Senate bill (S. 1352) to designate the fa- and in the legislation that I introduce and co- ing positions and are less likely to be awarded cility of the United States Postal Serv- sponsor. This Congress, I will again introduce tenure than men. Despite comprising over 50 ice located at 127 East Locust Street in legislation to start a Patsy Mink fellowship pro- percent of the student population, women Fairbury, Illinois, as the ‘‘Dr. Francis gram to help more women and minorities earn make up only 42 percent of high school and Townsend Post Office Building’’. graduate degrees and become college profes- college varsity athletes, and male athletes re- The Clerk read the title of the Senate sors. ceive $137 million more than female athletes bill. A lot more work remains to be done to give in college athletic scholarships. That does not The text of the Senate bill is as fol- women more educational opportunities: even take into account the barriers that title IX lows:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:56 May 21, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H18JN7.000 H18JN7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 16128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 12 June 18, 2007 S. 1352 the entire sum within 30 days in order fight poverty during our Nation’s worst Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- to stimulate the economy. His efforts economic crisis and his exemplary resentatives of the United States of America in influenced the passage of President civic activism are an example for us Congress assembled, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Social Secu- all. SECTION 1. DR. FRANCIS TOWNSEND POST OF- rity Act. Naming the Fairbury, Illinois, post FICE BUILDING. Mr. Speaker, I commend my col- office after one of its most famous citi- (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the league from Illinois, Senator RICHARD United States Postal Service located at 127 zens during the sesquicentennial anni- DURBIN, for introducing this legisla- East Locust Street in Fairbury, Illinois, versary of Fairbury is a fitting celebra- shall be known and designated as the ‘‘Dr. tion, and I urge swift passage. tion of both Dr. Townsend’s contribu- Francis Townsend Post Office Building’’. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of tions to the city and to this important (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, my time. milestone. map, regulation, document, paper, or other Mr. SALI. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance record of the United States to the facility re- self such time as I may consume. of my time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I be a reference to the ‘‘Dr. Francis Townsend one of Fairbury, Illinois’ most famous would just close by noting that here is Post Office Building’’. citizens, and that was Dr. Francis an excellent example of a citizen with Townsend. He was an American physi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- an idea, an idea that was promulgated cian best known for creating the Town- ant to the rule, the gentleman from Il- into legislation, legislation that all of send Old-age Revolving Pension plan linois (Mr. DAVIS) and the gentleman us, if we live to be 65 or somewhat close and for spurring social movement that from Idaho (Mr. SALI) each will control to, benefit from. And so I think it is in- advocated for benefits for the elderly 20 minutes. deed appropriate. The Chair recognizes the gentleman during the 1930s. Again, I want to thank Senator DUR- from Illinois. Dr. Townsend, the son of a farmer, BIN for introducing this legislation. GENERAL LEAVE grew up in Fairbury, Illinois, and at- tended Omaha Medical College in 1917. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I of my time. ask unanimous consent that all Mem- Shortly after becoming a physician, he served in the Army Medical Corps dur- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bers may have 5 legislative days in question is on the motion offered by which to revise and extend their re- ing World War I. After leaving the Army, he began a medical practice in the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. marks. Long Beach, California. When this was DAVIS) that the House suspend the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there not successful, he obtained employ- rules and pass the Senate bill, S. 1352. objection to the request of the gen- ment as the assistant city health direc- The question was taken. tleman from Illinois? tor. Sadly, due to the Great Depres- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the There was no objection. sion, he lost that job and was forced opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I into retirement. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. yield myself as much time as I might In 1933, Dr. Townsend witnessed Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, consume. something extremely heartbreaking on that I demand the yeas and nays. As a member of the House Committee but not uncommon during the Great The yeas and nays were ordered. on Oversight and Government Reform, Depression when he saw three old la- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- I am pleased to join my colleague in dies searching through trash cans in ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the consideration of S. 1352, which names a his back alley for food. This became a Chair’s prior announcement, further postal facility in Fairbury, Illinois, watershed moment for the doctor. In proceedings on this question will be after Dr. Francis Townsend. response to what he observed, and his postponed. S. 1352, which was introduced by Sen- inner drive to help others, he decided f ator RICHARD DURBIN on May 10, 2007, to become involved in politics. Later was reported from the Oversight Com- that year he created the Townsend b 1515 mittee on June 12, 2007 by a voice vote. Plan, which proposed creating a Fed- RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE Dr. Francis Townsend was born in eral pension of $200 a month for every 1867 into an impoverished Illinois farm- OF JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE citizen 60 years old and older on the DAY ing family. Shortly after he was born, condition that the money would be his family moved to Nebraska, where spent within 30 days in order to stimu- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I he graduated from high school and late the economy. move to suspend the rules and agree to began a varied career. He tried farming By 1934, through his leadership and the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. and selling in Kansas, land speculation determination to help the down- 155) recognizing the historical signifi- in Los Angeles, and worked as a la- trodden, the plan generated a great cance of Juneteenth Independence Day, borer in Colorado. deal of support and gave rise to the es- and expressing the sense of Congress In 1899, he enrolled in the Omaha tablishment of at least 5,000 ‘‘Town- that history should be regarded as a Medical College, and graduated in 1903 send clubs’’ nationwide. At the height means for understanding the past and at the age of 36. He served as an Army of popularity, membership in the clubs more effectively facing the challenges doctor in World War I and during the totaled over 2 million people. of the future. Great Depression, and took a job as the By 1935, an additional 25 million The Clerk read the title of the con- assistant director of the City Health Americans signed petitions to Congress current resolution. Office in Long Beach, California. At and the White House supporting the The text of the concurrent resolution the age of 66, Dr. Townsend lost his job implementation of Dr. Townsend’s is as follows: and found himself both poor and out of plan. He became such a national celeb- H. CON. RES. 155 work. rity by this time that he testified be- Whereas news of the end of slavery did not There were millions of elderly people fore Congress. reach frontier areas of the United States, just like him who were barely making Thanks to Dr. Townsend’s efforts, his and in particular the Southwestern States, ends meet. One day he had a vision of social crusades sparked a national for more than 2 years after President Lin- how to help the elderly and the coun- antipoverty movement in 1933 that coln’s Emancipation Proclamation of Janu- try as a whole. He wrote a letter to a likely contributed to the expedited ary 1, 1863, and months after the conclusion newspaper outlining his ‘‘old-aged pen- of the Civil War; passage of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s So- Whereas on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers sion plan for seniors.’’ This plan cre- cial Security Act of 1935, one of the led by Major General Gordon Granger ar- ated a Federal pension of $200 a month major initiatives of the New Deal. rived in Galveston, Texas, with news that paid to every citizen 60 and older on Dr. Townsend was a steadfast leader the Civil War had ended and that the the condition that the pensioner spend and original thinker. His efforts to enslaved were free;

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