Floor SpeechCeremonial2025-03-11

HONORING VANESSA L. GIBSON FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

EconomyTaxesHousingCrime & JusticeInfrastructureLGBTQ+

Context

On 2025-03-11, Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING VANESSA L. GIBSON FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH" in the House. The speech addressed the economy and also covered taxes, housing.

Full Text

HONORING VANESSA L. GIBSON FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E208] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING VANESSA L. GIBSON FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH ______ HON. RITCHIE TORRES of new york in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor and celebrate Vanessa L. Gibson, the 14th Bronx Borough President, in recognition of her exemplary leadership, dedication to public service, and unwavering commitment to the people of the Bronx. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we reflect on the incredible achievements of women like Ms. Gibson, who continue to shape and inspire our communities with their hard work and determination. A proud native New Yorker, Ms. Gibson's journey in public service began while she was still a student at the University at Albany, when she joined the New York State Assembly Intern Program in 2001. There, she was assigned to work with then-Assemblywoman Aurelia Greene, where she quickly demonstrated her passion for legislative work and serving her community. From that moment, Ms. Gibson knew that public service would be her life's calling. Upon graduating, Ms. Gibson transitioned to the role of Legislative Aide and later became the District Manager of Assemblywoman Greene's Bronx office. As District Manager, she played a vital role in ensuring effective administrative services and constituent outreach. After Assemblywoman Greene's resignation in 2009, Ms. Gibson ran in a special election for the 77th Assembly District, winning the seat and making a powerful mark on the state legislature. During her two terms in the New York State Assembly, Ms. Gibson was a dedicated advocate for the issues that matter most to the Bronx. Her tireless work on education, affordable housing, public safety, and criminal justice reform earned her respect from her colleagues and the community alike. In 2013, she ran for a seat on the New York City Council, was elected, and quickly became known as a leader in the fight for tenant protections, alternatives to incarceration, enhanced police training, and criminal justice reform. One of her landmark achievements as a Council Member was her collaboration with then-Council Member Mark Levine to pass the Right to Counsel legislation in 2017, which ensures free legal representation for low-income tenants facing eviction. Additionally, she championed the development of a ten-year food strategy for New York City, which addresses food deserts and promotes access to healthy, sustainable food options for all New Yorkers. It was my immense honor to have served alongside Ms. Gibson in the New York City Council. In 2020, Ms. Gibson announced her candidacy for Bronx Borough President, presenting a bold vision for the future of the borough. With a focus on public safety, food equity, housing insecurity, health and wellness, gender equity, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community, Ms. Gibson's campaign resonated deeply with Bronx residents. After winning both the primary and general elections, she made history as the first woman and the first African American to be elected as Bronx Borough President. As Borough President, Ms. Gibson has continued her lifelong work of advocating for equitable opportunities and improving the quality of life for all Bronxites. Her leadership is transforming the borough, with a focus on community-centered initiatives that empower residents, strengthen neighborhoods, and create sustainable economic growth. It is with great admiration and respect that I honor Vanessa L. Gibson for her trailblazing accomplishments, her dedication to justice, and her unwavering commitment to the Bronx. Ms. Gibson exemplifies the power of public service and the profound impact that women can have on shaping our communities and our future. ____________________

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HONORING VANESSA L. GIBSON FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E208] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING VANESSA L. GIBSON FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH ______ HON. RITCHIE TORRES of new york in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor and celebrate Vanessa L. Gibson, the 14th Bronx Borough President, in recognition of her exemplary leadership, dedication to public service, and unwavering commitment to the people of the Bronx. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we reflect on the incredible achievements of women like Ms. Gibson, who continue to shape and inspire our communities with their hard work and determination. A proud native New Yorker, Ms. Gibson's journey in public service began while she was still a student at the University at Albany, when she joined the New York State Assembly Intern Program in 2001. There, she was assigned to work with then-Assemblywoman Aurelia Greene, where she quickly demonstrated her passion for legislative work and serving her community. From that moment, Ms. Gibson knew that public service would be her life's calling. Upon graduating, Ms. Gibson transitioned to the role of Legislative Aide and later became the District Manager of Assemblywoman Greene's Bronx office. As District Manager, she played a vital role in ensuring effective administrative services and constituent outreach. After Assemblywoman Greene's resignation in 2009, Ms. Gibson ran in a special election for the 77th Assembly District, winning the seat and making a powerful mark on the state legislature. During her two terms in the New York State Assembly, Ms. Gibson was a dedicated advocate for the issues that matter most to the Bronx. Her tireless work on education, affordable housing, public safety, and criminal justice reform earned her respect from her colleagues and the community alike. In 2013, she ran for a seat on the New York City Council, was elected, and quickly became known as a leader in the fight for tenant protections, alternatives to incarceration, enhanced police training, and criminal justice reform. One of her landmark achievements as a Council Member was her collaboration with then-Council Member Mark Levine to pass the Right to Counsel legislation in 2017, which ensures free legal representation for low-income tenants facing eviction. Additionally, she championed the development of a ten-year food strategy for New York City, which addresses food deserts and promotes access to healthy, sustainable food options for all New Yorkers. It was my immense honor to have served alongside Ms. Gibson in the New York City Council. In 2020, Ms. Gibson announced her candidacy for Bronx Borough President, presenting a bold vision for the future of the borough. With a focus on public safety, food equity, housing insecurity, health and wellness, gender equity, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community, Ms. Gibson's campaign resonated deeply with Bronx residents. After winning both the primary and general elections, she made history as the first woman and the first African American to be elected as Bronx Borough President. As Borough President, Ms. Gibson has continued her lifelong work of advocating for equitable opportunities and improving the quality of life for all Bronxites. Her leadership is transforming the borough, with a focus on community-centered initiatives that empower residents, strengthen neighborhoods, and create sustainable economic growth. It is with great admiration and respect that I honor Vanessa L. Gibson for her trailblazing accomplishments, her dedication to justice, and her unwavering commitment to the Bronx. Ms. Gibson exemplifies the power of public service and the profound impact that women can have on shaping our communities and our future. ____________________