HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-4641

HR 4641

ByRepresentatives McEntire, Corry, Leavitt, Bronoske, Tharinger, Parshley, Pollet, Rule, Morgan, Waters, Duerr, Orcutt, Cortes, Nance, Richards, Schmick, Chase, Jacobsen, Thomas, Stonier, Dent, Keaton, Thai, Burnett, Timmons, Taylor, Fosse, Mendoza, Ormsby, Walsh, Salahuddin, Santos, Ryu, Schmidt, Barkis, Reed, Donaghy, Stearns, Connors, Jinkins, Callan, Zahn, Klicker, and Paul

WHEREAS, Julia Butler Hansen was born June 14, 1907, and her family home, the Julia Butler Hansen House, is the oldest surviving pioneer structure in Wahkiakum County; and

WHEREAS, The Julia Butler Hansen House is unique in its significance to the pioneer history of early Washington Territory and is a "treasure house" of objects and heirlooms of regional and national significance drawn from the distinguished career of Congresswoman Julia Butler Hansen; and

WHEREAS, Julia Butler Hansen was the first woman in history to chair a Congressional Appropriations Subcommittee and was the close protégé of presidents including Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson; and

WHEREAS, Congresswoman Hansen was a legendary transportation leader, instrumentally involved in catalyzing some of the most significant infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest, including the Astoria-Megler Bridge, along with many other historic firsts; and

WHEREAS, Congresswoman Hansen rose from the Cathlamet Town Council to embark on a 21-year career in the Washington State House of Representatives, serving the 18th Legislative District from 1939 to 1960, followed by a 14-year career in the U.S. Congress, serving the 3rd Congressional District from 1960 to 1974, including distinguished service on the Washington State Highways Commission and successors; and

WHEREAS, The Julia Butler Hansen House is unique not only for its historic character but also its inventory of irreplaceable objects reflective of Julia Butler Hansen's lengthy public career, including photos, telegrams, letters and tributes from U.S. Presidents, Governors, Senators and other well-known public figures with whom Julia interacted at the highest levels of state and federal government throughout her career;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor the life and legacy of Congresswoman Julia Butler Hansen.