[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 11 (Tuesday, February 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
IN HONOR OF MARTHA GRIFFITHS ON THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF HER SPEECH FOR 
         THE INCLUSION OF WOMEN IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964

                                 ______


                          HON. WILLIAM D. FORD

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 1994

  Mr. FORD of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
person I greatly admire. During her 20 years in the House, Martha 
Griffiths dedicated her efforts to fighting for equality for women in 
all aspects of American life--most notably in the workplace.
  Martha Griffiths represented the 17th Congressional District of 
Michigan from 1955 to 1975. Paving the way for women in positions of 
power, she became the first woman member of the House Ways and Means 
Committee. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment in Congress came after 
her persuasive argument for the inclusion of women in the landmark 1964 
Civil Rights Act. Battling an overwhelmingly male Congress, Martha's 
speech convinced her colleagues that true equality in the workplace 
could not be achieved by side-stepping the issue of gender 
discrimination. During floor debate, she reasoned that, ``a white 
woman, when she asks for * * * [a] job is turned away, has no recourse, 
and nobody on earth has to explain for it.'' Thanks to Martha's 
determination, the act passed with the amendment creating the 
foundation for an equal playing field for women.
  Martha was not one to compromise on issues of importance. Regarded as 
the mother of the Federal Equal Rights Amendment--Martha successfully 
guided this legislation through the House in the 91st Congress. Even 
though the battle for the Equal Rights Amendment did not end with its 
adoption, the fight had an empowering affect on many women's lives. ERA 
galvanized the women's movement--unifying women of diverse backgrounds 
based on the shared conviction that their rights should no longer be 
denied on the basis of their sex. Martha's strong leadership on ERA is 
remembered for its contribution to the movement as a whole as well as 
the key role she played in gaining its passage in Congress.
  I hope that young people who aspire to public office today will look 
to Martha Griffiths' career as a model for their lives. Her 
contribution to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 demonstrates the 
difference one person can make in the lives of over half of the 
population. In addition, an important lesson can be learned from 
Martha's work on ERA. In my view, her work for this cause demonstrated 
that it is better to fight for one's beliefs, even if the goal is not 
achieved, than to never have attempted to bring about positive change. 
A battle fought today--win or lose--will undoubtedly pave the road for 
the success of future reformers. Her recent induction into the National 
Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY, is a fitting tribute to her 
work. I am proud to know and to have worked with Martha. She has truly 
made her mark on the history of this Nation.

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