H. Res. 553 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

July 23, 2007. 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson was born Claudia Alta Taylor 

in Karnack, Texas on December 22, 1912, the daughter 

of Minnie Pattillo Taylor and Thomas Jefferson Taylor; 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson received her nickname ‘‘Lady 

Bird’’ from a nurse who thought she was as ‘‘purty as 

a lady bird’’; 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson was known for her academic accomplishments, graduating from high school at 15 years 

of age and graduating from the University of Texas in 

Austin in 1933 as one of the top 10 students in her class; 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson married President Lyndon 

Baines Johnson on November 17, 1934; 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson was a dedicated wife to President Johnson and a devoted mother to their two daughters, Lynda Bird Johnson and Luci Baines Johnson; 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson served with honor and dedication as the wife of President Johnson throughout his 

service as a congressional secretary, United States Representative, United States Senator, Vice President of the 

United States, and President of the United States; 
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•HRES 553 EH 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson was known for expanding the 

position of First Lady by taking a visible role in President Johnson’s administration; 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson served as President Johnson’s 

personal adviser throughout his career, and was a champion of civil rights and programs for children and the 

poor, including the educational Head Start programs; 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson was known for her passion for 

environmental causes and the preservation of native 

plants and wildflowers; 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson paved the way for the environmental movement of the 1970s through her efforts to replace urban blight with flowers and trees; 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson established the capital beautification project and played a major role in the passage of 

the 1965 Highway Beautification Act, which was the first 

major legislative campaign initiated by a First Lady; 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson and President Johnson retired 

to their ranch located near Austin, Texas following the 

completion of President Johnson’s term as President; 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson continued her dedication to education through her service on the Board of Regents for 

the University of Texas and through her work planning 

the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum at the University of Texas in Austin; 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1977 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1988; 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson co-founded the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in 1982 in order to protect and 

preserve North America’s native plants and natural landscapes; 
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•HRES 553 EH 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson leaves behind an honorable legacy that represents her gentle nature and strong spirit 

though her dedication to her family and her passion for 

the environment; and 

Whereas Lady Bird Johnson died on July 11, 2007, at 94 

years of age at her home in Austin, Texas, and was survived by her 2 daughters, 7 grandchildren, and 10 greatgrandchildren: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives mourns the 

passing of former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, and celebrates her life and contributions to the people of the United 

States. 

Attest: 

Clerk.