McCollum Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Pat Schroeder

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement today after learning former U.S. Rep. Pat Schroeder has passed away at 82:

"Today we mourn the loss of trailblazing Colorado Congresswoman Pat Schroeder. Though her political career was in Colorado, few know that she also had ties to the North Star State as an alumna of the University of Minnesota, where she graduated with a degree in history.

"Congresswoman Schroeder was the first woman to be elected to Congress from Colorado. Throughout her storied life and career, she was a champion and mentor for the generations of women who followed in her footsteps as public servants – myself included. She would go out of her way to help another woman running for office. When I first ran for Congress, she sent me a lovely letter with a donation. After I was elected and had the opportunity to interact with her, I always found her to be thoughtful, supportive, and willing to share on how to be effective in the political realm, especially as a woman.

"In all, Congresswoman Schroeder was a lovely person with boundless energy. Smart, articulate, and caring, she was unafraid to talk about women's issues—even at the risk of being labeled for doing only that—and she never tired in the fight for women's well-being and women's rights.

"I'm sending my deepest condolences to James and their children and grandchildren during this sorrowful time. May her tenacity, wit, and commitment to equality continue to be an inspiration for us all for generations to come."

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