- Record: Senate Floor
- Section type: Floor speeches
- Chamber: Senate
- Date: April 16, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: This section came from the Senate floor portion of the record.
Ms. ALSOBROOKS. Mr. President, I am honored to celebrate the life and legacy of Cynthia M. Ferguson, a distinguished public servant, accomplished attorney, dedicated advocate for environmental justice, and fellow Marylander, who unfortunately passed away on March 12 at the age of 58.
Ms. Ferguson dedicated more than 25 years to serving the American people at the U.S. Department of Justice with dedication and integrity. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and the Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Ms. Ferguson rose from honors trial attorney within the Environment and Natural Resources Division to leading the Department's first-ever Office of Environmental Justice during the Biden administration. In this role, she led efforts to ensure that all communities, particularly those historically overburdened by pollution, receive fair and equal protection under environmental laws.
Ms. Ferguson understood that environmental justice is not an abstract concept but a lived reality for families concerned about the air they breathe and the water they drink, and she dedicated her career to addressing those concerns. Her efforts and leadership made a meaningful difference in communities across the country and helped shape a more equitable approach to environmental protection.
I extend my condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Ms. Cynthia M. Ferguson's legacy of service, integrity, and commitment to justice will endure, and she will be greatly missed.