The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“REMEMBERING KAREN LEWIS” mentioning Richard J. Durbin was published in the Senate section on pages S808-S809 on Feb. 23.
Of the 100 senators in 117th Congress, 24 percent were women, and 76 percent were men, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Senators' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
REMEMBERING KAREN LEWIS
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, today, I would like to recognize the life of an exceptional woman: Karen Lewis. Most remember Karen as the fiery president of the Chicago Teachers Union who led the 2012 strike. Karen always fought for what she believed. She devoted her career to education and people. Her commitment to her beloved teachers was her North Star.
Most will remember that Karen was no stranger to challenge. She attended Mount Holyoke College before transferring to Dartmouth College as a member of the first coeducational class in the institution's history. She had the courage to try her hand at medical school before finding her calling in teaching. As a new member in her teachers union, Karen did not hesitate to stand up when she thought something could be done better and ran for union offices as a member of the Caucus of Rank and File Educators, CORE.
However, this was only one side of Karen Lewis. In many ways she was a true renaissance woman. In Karen's love of opera, her musical skill playing both flute and piano, her love of languages, her conversion to Judaism, and her passion for professional tennis, you could see the many facets of her life.
But, above all else, I will remember Karen as a friend to both Loretta and me.
In 2014, she was diagnosed with gioblastoma, a cancerous brain tumor. I remembered her diagnosis when many months later my colleague, Senator John McCain, faced the same challenge. I asked Karen who seemed to be weathering her personal storm if she would speak with John and she, of course, agreed. I do not know if the conversation took place, but I thought that these two heroes of much different wars could become unusual allies in the common struggle each of us will face.
The word ``legendary'' is overused, but when it comes to Karen Lewis, it falls short of describing an amazing life journey. I am reminded of a quote from Confucius that roughly translates to: ``If your plan is for one year, plant rice; if your plan is for ten years, plant trees; if your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.'' I am thankful for Karen's 100-year plan. Let us honor her memory by continuing her work to educate the children of America.
____________________
Alerts Sign-up