On July 23, Congress approved, 381-0, a resolution (H. Res. 553) mourning the death of Lady Bird Johnson, former First Lady. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved the resolution on July 19 (see The Source, 7/16/07).
Sponsor Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) stated, “Lady Bird Johnson dedicated much of her life to the preservation of our environment. Perhaps she could be considered the first environmentalist in this era. This passion led her to create the Capital Beautification Project to improve physical conditions in Washington, DC, both for residents and tourists. Her efforts inspired similar programs throughout the country.”
Rep. John Duncan (R-TN) said of the former First Lady, “As we all have seen each spring in Washington, Mrs. Johnson has left a lasting legacy for all American and foreign visitors to this great city, who can now see incredible numbers of flowers throughout the area. She not only helped beautify Washington, but was also responsible for the 1965 Highway Beautification Act, calling for control of outdoor advertising, as well as the clean-up of junkyards along the national highways.” Rep. Duncan then added, “After leaving Washington, Mrs. Johnson enthusiastically continued her conservation efforts throughout her beloved home state of Texas right up until the date of her death on July 11, 2007.”
