Three-term Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy gave her final speech on the House floor this week.
After six years in Congress, the first Vietnamese American woman to serve in Congress is returning to private life.
She reflected on her years in office, the sharp divisions and political bickerings she witnessed and the many constituents she helped.
She urged the young girls who may look like her to pursue a career in government service.
“I want to end with a word to young Americans, including young girls who look like me. I hope you will consider government service. It requires many sacrifices, but the work is important and noble. Our nation needs good people with steady hands to steer the ship of state. People with integrity.”
She also condemned the constant political bickering and personal attacks from both Democrats and Republicans, saying too many fail to treat one another “with civility and decency.”
“Extreme partisanship led to legislative gridlock. Communities across the country paid the price, including my own. When a man shot 49 innocent people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, it seemed like yet another preventable tragedy that might have been avoided if common sense and political courage were on greater display in our nation’s capital,” she said.
She also gave a nod to her parents, recalling favorite childhood memories such as fishing with her father. Tran recognized the hardship both her parents endured to make a better life for her.
“We fled our homeland by boat and were rescued by American sailors. Our family was given refuge, granted citizenship, and provided opportunity in the United States. My mom and dad worked so hard to make ends meet. They struggled to overcome barriers of language and culture. All so I could have a better shot in life than they did,” Tran said.
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