WASHINGTON, DC - Today the House passed House Resolution 5489, a resolution to name the U.S. Post Office in Gloucester, VA after the late Rep. Jo Ann Davis (VA-01). The resolution, introduced by Rep. Davis’ successor Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), passed by a vote of 397-0. Rep. Davis passed away on October 7, 2007 after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.

“Jo Ann was an inspiration to us all. She was a passionate advocate for the First District and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Even as she battled cancer, Jo Ann continued to work tirelessly for her constituents, putting her duties above herself. She was an exceptional Representative and an even better human being. This tribute will serve as constant reminder of Jo Ann's commitment, diligence and devotion to the people she served,” said Wittman.

“I was honored to have served with Jo Ann Davis in both the Virginia General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. I am pleased that Congress has honored her memory by naming this post office after her,” said Rep. Thelma Drake (VA-02).

“Everyone in the Virginia delegation was saddened to learn of Jo Ann’s passing last fall,” said Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03). “This is a modest tribute to a very modest woman and dedicated public servant.”

"Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis was a stateswoman dedicated to her faith, her country, and her family. She served our nation with excellence, as an advocate in Congress for our nation's veterans, our men and women in uniform, and her constituents, as a devoted mother and wife to her family, and as a friend to so many others. Jo Ann left an impact that will not soon be forgotten, and it is fitting that the House passed legislation today to name a post office in her hometown in her honor,” said Rep. Randy Forbes (VA-04).

“Jo Ann Davis was a great Representative. She was the first woman to represent Virginia’s First Congressional District. Naming the Post office after her is a fitting tribute to an effective and dedicated leader,” said Rep. Virgil Goode (VA-05).

“Sadly, Virginia lost a devoted public servant when Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis passed away after her two year battle with breast cancer,” said Congressman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06). “It is especially fitting that today the House passed legislation naming the post office in her home town of Gloucester in her honor. This will serve as a memorial to her work for the people of America’s First Congressional District, the people she served with distinction, courage, great honor and determination.”

“Just a few months ago, we said farewell to a great woman and a great patriot, my colleague of several years, Jo Ann Davis. Jo Ann was a terrific friend, and the Commonwealth of Virginia suffered tremendously from her loss,” said Rep. Eric Cantor (VA-07). “Since my days of serving with her in the Virginia House of Delegates, Jo Ann fought for and embodied the core values of Virginia. She was an ardent advocate for veterans, national defense and a strong military. The naming of a Gloucester post office in honor of Jo Ann Davis is a wonderful tribute that will serve as a reminder of her love and service to Virginia’s First District.”

“Jo Ann was a strong advocate for her district. We honor her service by passing this resolution in her remembrance,” Rep. Jim Moran (VA-08).

“Rep. Jo Ann Davis will long be remembered for her commitment to public service and her dedication to her Congressional District, and I am pleased that today the House approved this measure honoring her outstanding service,” said Rep. Rick Boucher (VA-09).

“Congresswoman Davis fought hard for the people of the 1 st District. In addition, she was a strong advocate for the all the men and women serving in uniform around the globe. She also did an outstanding job looking out for the interests of the shipyard and all the other federal facilities in the 1 st District. Jo Ann was well respected by her colleagues and her warm smile is missed,” Rep. Frank Wolf (VA-10).

“As the first Republican woman to represent Virginia in Congress, Jo Ann Davis was a pioneer. But she was more than that. She was a hard-working Member of Congress who dedicated her life to helping those in her district and throughout the Commonwealth. She was a trusted friend and ally, a courageous fighter against a debilitating disease, a terrific mother and wife and a credit to her district. And naming this post office is a fitting tribute to this distinguished public servant whom we all miss,” said Rep. Tom Davis (VA-11).

Jo Ann Davis began her political career in 1997 when she was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.  Three years later she was elected to the House of Representatives, where she served until her untimely passing in October of 2007. 

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