[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 29 (Tuesday, February 14, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H1698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

  Mrs. MORELLA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, today we mark the 75th anniversary of the 
League of Women Voters. Each of us has undoubtedly had some personal 
connection with the league, whether it is taking part in a candidates 
forum, or interacting with local League members who have reached 
consensus in a study group.
  Historically the league grew out of the women's suffrage movement. In 
1920 the founding of the League of Women Voters coincided with the 
ratification of the 19th amendment which gave women the right to vote.
  Although only 26 percent of the women voted in that first election, 
the league immediately tackled this problem with measures such as 
initiating ``Know Your Government Studies,'' and with an active role on 
issues that are important to women and all people. In those early years 
this meant issues such as the welfare of mothers and children, equal 
compensation for women which culminated in the Civil Service 
Reclassification Act of 1923, as well as child labor law. The passage 
of the motor-voter bill last year is a tribute to their historical 
position of increasing voting participation.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud of my membership in the League, and I hope 
others will join in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the League of 
Women Voters.


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