Floor SpeechNeutral2026-09-23

REMEMBERING KAREN CLARK

Amy Klobuchar

DMN · Senator

ImmigrationTaxesEnvironmentForeign PolicyLGBTQ+Civil Rights

Context

On 2026-09-23, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING KAREN CLARK" in the Senate.

Full Text

REMEMBERING KAREN CLARK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4915-S4916] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING KAREN CLARK Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Madam President, on behalf of myself and Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota, I rise today to honor Minnesota State Representative Karen Clark, who passed away in June after a lifetime of service to our State. Karen was raised on a farm near Edgerton, MN, where she first developed her love for the land and passion for protecting the earth--a commitment that would come to define her legacy as a legislator and the cofounder of an environmental organization. She earned her degree from the College of Saint Teresa and began working as a public health nurse, providing care to underserved communities. Karen was also known as a powerhouse community organizer fighting for civil rights. In 1980, she turned her focus to the State house and was elected as a State representative. Karen won that first race promising to be a fighter for social justice and economic justice. And for 38 years, she never wavered from that promise. Karen strengthened protections for survivors of domestic violence, got rid of BPA in baby bottles, stood up for the environment and workers, as well as for immigrants and refugees, and wrote the bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Minnesota. She did all of this as a trailblazer, as the first openly lesbian legislator to serve in the Minnesota State House. Karen was committed to doing the right thing, no matter how long it took and no matter the obstacles in her way. After an earlier setback in the fight for marriage equality, Karen did not give up. She did not lose hope. She did not lose sight of the fight, and we remember her words from that moment: ``The Minnesota I know is a place of inclusion, tolerance, and love.'' Thanks to Karen, Minnesota is a more inclusive place and warmer place all the more. [[Page S4916]] There are many words that describe Karen: organizer, environmentalist, legislator, advocate, nurse. But above them all, we think of Karen as the best of Minnesota, as the very ideal of a servant leader. She will be dearly missed by her wife Dr. Jacquelyn Zita and all who benefited from her dedication, compassion, and service. ____________________

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REMEMBERING KAREN CLARK Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4915-S4916] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING KAREN CLARK Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Madam President, on behalf of myself and Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota, I rise today to honor Minnesota State Representative Karen Clark, who passed away in June after a lifetime of service to our State. Karen was raised on a farm near Edgerton, MN, where she first developed her love for the land and passion for protecting the earth--a commitment that would come to define her legacy as a legislator and the cofounder of an environmental organization. She earned her degree from the College of Saint Teresa and began working as a public health nurse, providing care to underserved communities. Karen was also known as a powerhouse community organizer fighting for civil rights. In 1980, she turned her focus to the State house and was elected as a State representative. Karen won that first race promising to be a fighter for social justice and economic justice. And for 38 years, she never wavered from that promise. Karen strengthened protections for survivors of domestic violence, got rid of BPA in baby bottles, stood up for the environment and workers, as well as for immigrants and refugees, and wrote the bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Minnesota. She did all of this as a trailblazer, as the first openly lesbian legislator to serve in the Minnesota State House. Karen was committed to doing the right thing, no matter how long it took and no matter the obstacles in her way. After an earlier setback in the fight for marriage equality, Karen did not give up. She did not lose hope. She did not lose sight of the fight, and we remember her words from that moment: ``The Minnesota I know is a place of inclusion, tolerance, and love.'' Thanks to Karen, Minnesota is a more inclusive place and warmer place all the more. [[Page S4916]] There are many words that describe Karen: organizer, environmentalist, legislator, advocate, nurse. But above them all, we think of Karen as the best of Minnesota, as the very ideal of a servant leader. She will be dearly missed by her wife Dr. Jacquelyn Zita and all who benefited from her dedication, compassion, and service. ____________________