Floor SpeechNeutral2026-09-15

HONORING THE LEGACY OF NANCY RUTH OSBORNE

TaxesEnvironmentDefenseTrade

Context

On 2026-09-15, Representative Jim Costa (D-CA-21) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LEGACY OF NANCY RUTH OSBORNE" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE LEGACY OF NANCY RUTH OSBORNE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E919] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LEGACY OF NANCY RUTH OSBORNE ______ HON. JIM COSTA of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 15, 2026 Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Nancy Ruth Osborne, who passed away on April 8, 2026, at the age of 78. Nancy grew up in a military family, living on Army bases in Japan, Turkey, and the United States. She graduated from Las Cruces High School in New Mexico, after which she attended California State University, Fresno and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications. She began her 37-year career at ABC30 in 1977, breaking the glass ceiling for young women in reporting by becoming one of the region's earliest women to anchor local television news. Nancy quickly developed a reputation for integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to the community she served. Over the course of her career, Nancy co-anchored Action News and wrote and produced ``360'', the San Joaquin Valley's first locally developed television news magazine program. In 1996, after two decades on air, she was appointed Executive Producer of Special Projects. As executive producer, she helped guide station coverage while continuously reporting on public affairs, politics, and issues affecting children and families. Notably, Nancy covered many important events, such as the inauguration of Ronald Reagan in 1981, Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Yosemite National Park in 1983, the launch of a space shuttle at Cape Canaveral and its landing in the California desert, the aftermath of the Coalinga earthquake, and a story close to her heart: going to sea on the USS Lincoln to report on the pilots and sailors from the San Joaquin Valley. In January 2004 Nancy returned to reporting full-time. Once again, bringing her experience and expertise to the daily Action News team. While there she co-anchored Action News at Five with her good friend and colleague, Warren Armstrong. In 2005, the Northern California chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences inducted the Emmy award-winning Osborne into its prestigious Silver Circle for her commitment of over 25 years to the Fresno television market and the broadcast news industry. She was also awarded the esteemed Edward R. Morrow Award, which commemorates only the best of local broadcasting journalism. Outside of the newsroom Nancy was deeply engaged in community service and charitable work throughout Central California. She was always particularly passionate about serving the military community. At the age of 64, Ms. Osborne decided to retire after an injury that left her unable to do the job to her own standards. During her exit interview in 2012, Nancy recounted how much she owed her career to her daily viewers. ``I never would have lasted 20 minutes, much less 20 or 30 years. And it is because of the folks who watched us every day.'' Nancy Osborne was a beloved figure and trailblazer. She was a passionate, accomplished news media professional, who cared deeply for her community and the members of our military who bravely serve to defend our country. She will be deeply missed. ____________________

View original source →

HONORING THE LEGACY OF NANCY RUTH OSBORNE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E919] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LEGACY OF NANCY RUTH OSBORNE ______ HON. JIM COSTA of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 15, 2026 Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Nancy Ruth Osborne, who passed away on April 8, 2026, at the age of 78. Nancy grew up in a military family, living on Army bases in Japan, Turkey, and the United States. She graduated from Las Cruces High School in New Mexico, after which she attended California State University, Fresno and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications. She began her 37-year career at ABC30 in 1977, breaking the glass ceiling for young women in reporting by becoming one of the region's earliest women to anchor local television news. Nancy quickly developed a reputation for integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to the community she served. Over the course of her career, Nancy co-anchored Action News and wrote and produced ``360'', the San Joaquin Valley's first locally developed television news magazine program. In 1996, after two decades on air, she was appointed Executive Producer of Special Projects. As executive producer, she helped guide station coverage while continuously reporting on public affairs, politics, and issues affecting children and families. Notably, Nancy covered many important events, such as the inauguration of Ronald Reagan in 1981, Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Yosemite National Park in 1983, the launch of a space shuttle at Cape Canaveral and its landing in the California desert, the aftermath of the Coalinga earthquake, and a story close to her heart: going to sea on the USS Lincoln to report on the pilots and sailors from the San Joaquin Valley. In January 2004 Nancy returned to reporting full-time. Once again, bringing her experience and expertise to the daily Action News team. While there she co-anchored Action News at Five with her good friend and colleague, Warren Armstrong. In 2005, the Northern California chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences inducted the Emmy award-winning Osborne into its prestigious Silver Circle for her commitment of over 25 years to the Fresno television market and the broadcast news industry. She was also awarded the esteemed Edward R. Morrow Award, which commemorates only the best of local broadcasting journalism. Outside of the newsroom Nancy was deeply engaged in community service and charitable work throughout Central California. She was always particularly passionate about serving the military community. At the age of 64, Ms. Osborne decided to retire after an injury that left her unable to do the job to her own standards. During her exit interview in 2012, Nancy recounted how much she owed her career to her daily viewers. ``I never would have lasted 20 minutes, much less 20 or 30 years. And it is because of the folks who watched us every day.'' Nancy Osborne was a beloved figure and trailblazer. She was a passionate, accomplished news media professional, who cared deeply for her community and the members of our military who bravely serve to defend our country. She will be deeply missed. ____________________