HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DIANE JORDAN

On 2026-02-12, Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DIANE JORDAN" in the House. The speech addressed taxes.

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DIANE JORDAN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026)] [House] [Page H2189] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DIANE JORDAN (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dear friend of mine, Diane Jordan. She was the first Black woman to serve on the Knox County Commission. Diane served four terms from 1992 to 2007 and was known for her passion for improving Knox County while wearing some really cool cowboy hats of hers, and that is one right there. Diane grew up in our community and knew it better than anyone. She was always serving and looking for ways to make it better. In a time of great division in Knoxville, she was one of those who was always in the middle of it trying to fix things with peaceful conversations, Mr. Speaker, something we don't see a lot of anymore. She is known for her sayings about working together across the aisle to bring change to the people we represented as one. We could all take a lesson from Diane, Mr. Speaker. After four terms, she continued public service through community philanthropy and mentoring other city officials, including my friend, former Knoxville Councilwoman Gwen McKenzie. She leaves behind her husband of 41 years, Reverend John Jordan, eight kids, and more than 20 grandkids. She has always been in my prayers. She was a dear friend. I remember when my daddy died, she was extra kind to my mama, and I will always remember that. I remember walking with her in the Martin Luther King Day parade that was always the coldest day of year, Mr. Speaker, and every dadgum person knew her. It was like walking with a rock star. She always made me feel very special. Diane will be missed, but I know she is with Jesus right now, and she is doing better than all of us. ____________________