Floor SpeechNeutral2026-01-13

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BETTY REID SOSKIN

TaxesEnvironmentForeign PolicyTradeLaborCivil Rights

Context

On 2026-01-13, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-8) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BETTY REID SOSKIN" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, foreign policy.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BETTY REID SOSKIN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E36] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BETTY REID SOSKIN ______ HON. JOHN GARAMENDI of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 13, 2026 Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Betty Reid Soskin, a trailblazer, public servant, and living witness to American history who used her 104 years of her life to the fullest. Born in 1921, lived in the East Bay since 1927, when her family moved from New Orleans. She lived a life defined by courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to truth and justice. She experienced firsthand the hardships of segregation, the challenges of wartime America, and the long struggle for civil rights, yet she transformed those experiences into a lifetime of public service and education. As a young woman during World War II, Betty worked as a shipyard clerk for an all-Black auxiliary lodge of the segregated Boilermaker's union. In 1945 she and her husband founded one of the first Black-owned music stores, which remained open until 2019. Ms. Soskin made history as the oldest active National Park Service ranger, serving at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California. Through her work, she ensured that the stories of women, people of color, and working families who are often omitted from traditional historical narratives were finally heard and preserved. Her storytelling gave voice to generations whose contributions shaped our Nation but were too often overlooked. Beyond her federal service, Betty Reid Soskin has worked as staff to a Berkeley city council member, a state Assemblywoman, and a California State Senator. As well as a respected civil rights activist, author, educator, and community leader. Her life reminded us that history is not only something we study it is something we live, challenge, and improve. Even after surviving serious injury late in life, Ms. Soskin continued to inspire with her determination, grace, and clarity of purpose. She taught us that patriotism includes honesty, that progress requires persistence, and that every generation has a responsibility to expand opportunity and justice. Betty Reid Soskin leaves behind an enduring legacy of service, truth- telling, and hope. Her life stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of ensuring that America's full story is told. I extend my deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and all those whose lives were touched by her remarkable spirit. Her impact will be felt for generations, and I know the people of Contra Costa County, and our Nation will join me in celebrating her life and legacy. May we honor her memory by continuing the work she so passionately advanced and by striving, as she did, to build a more just and inclusive Nation. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BETTY REID SOSKIN Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E36] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BETTY REID SOSKIN ______ HON. JOHN GARAMENDI of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 13, 2026 Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Betty Reid Soskin, a trailblazer, public servant, and living witness to American history who used her 104 years of her life to the fullest. Born in 1921, lived in the East Bay since 1927, when her family moved from New Orleans. She lived a life defined by courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to truth and justice. She experienced firsthand the hardships of segregation, the challenges of wartime America, and the long struggle for civil rights, yet she transformed those experiences into a lifetime of public service and education. As a young woman during World War II, Betty worked as a shipyard clerk for an all-Black auxiliary lodge of the segregated Boilermaker's union. In 1945 she and her husband founded one of the first Black-owned music stores, which remained open until 2019. Ms. Soskin made history as the oldest active National Park Service ranger, serving at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California. Through her work, she ensured that the stories of women, people of color, and working families who are often omitted from traditional historical narratives were finally heard and preserved. Her storytelling gave voice to generations whose contributions shaped our Nation but were too often overlooked. Beyond her federal service, Betty Reid Soskin has worked as staff to a Berkeley city council member, a state Assemblywoman, and a California State Senator. As well as a respected civil rights activist, author, educator, and community leader. Her life reminded us that history is not only something we study it is something we live, challenge, and improve. Even after surviving serious injury late in life, Ms. Soskin continued to inspire with her determination, grace, and clarity of purpose. She taught us that patriotism includes honesty, that progress requires persistence, and that every generation has a responsibility to expand opportunity and justice. Betty Reid Soskin leaves behind an enduring legacy of service, truth- telling, and hope. Her life stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of ensuring that America's full story is told. I extend my deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and all those whose lives were touched by her remarkable spirit. Her impact will be felt for generations, and I know the people of Contra Costa County, and our Nation will join me in celebrating her life and legacy. May we honor her memory by continuing the work she so passionately advanced and by striving, as she did, to build a more just and inclusive Nation. ____________________