July 23, 2008: Kaptur Unveils Portrait of Congressional Pioneer

Congresswoman Kaptur joined Chairman George Miller of the Education andLabor Committee in a short ceremony to re-hang the portrait of MaryTeresa Norton, who chaired the House Labor Committee from 1937 through1946.

“How appropriate, during this week when a raise in the minimumwage took effect, that we would honor the legacy of this great pioneerof social progress,” said Congresswoman Kaptur. Kaptur noted thatChairman Norton, the sponsor of the Fair Labor Standards act, thefoundation for today's minimum wage, overtime pay, and child laborlaws, “cut a fresh path for women of ordinary means to gain electionto Congress.”

During the Gingrich Revolution, “the Republican Guard”unceremoniously took Norton’s portrait off the wall and stashed it in acloset in an obscure House office, Kaptur said.

Congresswoman Kaptur retrieved the portrait and arranged for its safe keeping until Democrats regained control of the House.

“I thank Chairman Miller for putting Chairman Norton’s portrait back where it belongs,” said Congresswoman Kaptur.

UPDATE: Read more in The Hill.