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Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) introduced legislation to rename the Purcellville, Virginia, post office in honor of Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. Secretary of State who called Virginia’s 10th District home for many years.

“Secretary Madeleine Albright was a fearless trailblazer for women and a devoted public servant who touched the lives of so many whom she taught, mentored, and worked with – including me,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “Her relentless defense of democracy and advocacy for human rights, inspired by her own lived experience fleeing Nazi persecution, made her an icon here at home and around the globe. It is my honor to lead this legislation to celebrate her historic life and legacy here in Virginia’s 10th District.”

“Our family is deeply grateful to Representative Wexton and members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation for introducing this bill that will celebrate and honor our mother’s legacy and connection to this special part of Loudoun County. For the past fifty years, she cherished her time in this community with family and friends, often found walking in the beautiful countryside or through the historic streets of Purcellville. This commemoration is a wonderful tribute to her memory,” said the Albright family.

Madeleine Albright came to the United States in 1939 at only 2-years old as a refugee fleeing the Nazi invasion of her birth country of Czechoslovakia. Albright’s career in public service began in 1976 as a legislative staffer to U.S. Senator Ed Muskie of Maine, before moving to the White House to work on the National Security Council under Zbigniew Brzezinski. Albright served as ambassador to the United Nations under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1997 and then was appointed to serve as the first female Secretary of State.

Secretary Albright had a significant and lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy, including successfully advocating for military intervention in Bosnia to manage the humanitarian crisis in Kosovo, promoting the expansion of NATO eastward, and supporting the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol on global climate change.

Following her time in government, Albright founded the Albright Stonebridge Group, an international strategy consulting firm, and taught at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service until her passing in March of 2022. She was a seven-time New York Times bestselling author. Albright was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the highest civilian award in the U.S. – in 2012.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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