[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 36 (Friday, March 25, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

  Mr. RIEGLE. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the month of 
March as National Women's History Month. As we reflect upon the 
innumerable contributions that women have made to the betterment of our 
society, we must also look to the future and all that remains to be 
done so that women will be recognized as free, equal, and respected 
members of our society.
  The theme of this year's celebration is ``In Every Generation, Action 
Frees Our Dreams.'' I cannot think of a more appropriate sentiment as I 
look around this Chamber. In the last election, four more women were 
elected to the Senate, and the total number now stands at seven. As 
chairman of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Development Committee, I am 
particularly proud to have three of these women Senators as members of 
my committee.
  In my 28 years in public service, I have been proud to be a part of 
the women's movement, and have personally witnessed the evolution of 
political attitudes toward so-called women's issues. In this Congress 
alone, the Senate that has introduced several important pieces of 
legislation specifically aimed at improving the quality of life for 
women in America.
  For example, the Violence Against Women Act, of which I am an 
original cosponsor, provides for the implementation of crucial measures 
to ensure that women can feel safer on our streets, in the workplace 
and at home. Women should no longer have to fear for their very lives 
due to the ineffective laws and insufficient criminal sentences that 
now govern our land. This law will help to right that wrong. S. 25, the 
Freedom of Choice Act, will help to reinforce the freedom that all 
women have--and should continue to have--to make their own reproductive 
health decisions without fear of legal recrimination or intervention. 
These important pieces of legislation have enjoyed the strong support 
of our democratic female colleagues, all of whom have made many 
contributions to ensure their swift passage into law.
  As a Senator from the State of Michigan, I would be remiss in my 
tribute to women and their important role in government if I did not 
salute Martha Griffiths. Ms. Griffiths was a judge in the recorder's 
court in Detroit when, in 1955, she was elected to the U.S. House of 
Representatives. Her constituents, their trust and admiration growing 
with each passing year, sent her back to Washington for 10 consecutive 
terms until her retirement in 1974. Although vocal and involved with 
virtually every issue that came her way, it was the women of America 
who benefited most from the fruits of Mrs. Griffith's labors.
  During consideration of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, an amendment was 
offered prohibiting sex discrimination in employment. Member after 
Member stood on the House floor to make light of the amendment and to 
joke about the unnecessary nature of such a protection for women. Then 
Congresswoman Griffiths took the floor and gave an eloquent and 
impassioned speech which turned around the debate--the amendment was 
passed later that same day.
  Ms. Griffiths was one of the earliest champions of the Equal Rights 
Amendment when it was proposed in the early 1970's, and she was given 
much of the credit for successfully moving the amendment through the 
House of Representatives in 1971. She has said that the future of the 
ERA will grow brighter as young men and women become more 
knowledgeable, and when State legislators and Members of Congress begin 
looking at laws with a view as to whether they affect each person 
equally.
  Upon her return to Michigan, Ms. Griffiths continued to serve the 
public and was eventually elected Lieutenant Governor. Just last 
October, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame as a 
pioneer for women's equality. In the decade of the woman, Martha 
Griffiths is a bright star that illuminates just how much women have 
accomplished, as well as the tasks that lie ahead to ensure equality 
for all. It is with great honor that I salute Martha Griffiths and 
women everywhere as we recognize March 1994 as National Women's History 
Month.

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