The Hawai'i Democrat died over the weekend following a battle with viral pneumonia. She was 74.

"With every breath that she took she championed those who had no one to speak out for them," said Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i. "No one will replace her in the role she played in this House of Representatives."

Rep. Marcy Kaptur said Mink "transcended race and gender throughout her life."

"She will be deeply missed," Kaptur, D-Ohio said.

Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., said: "It's hard to believe Patsy Mink is gone. This House and this nation and certainly Hawai'i just received a tremendous legacy from her service."

A photo of the lawmaker was posted nearby as lawmakers honored Mink on the floor of the House.

Mink had been a member of the House for 24 years. She is best known for having helped author Title IX of the Education Act, which bans gender discrimination in schools that receive federal funding and is credited with changing the face of women's sports and the public's attitudes about women.