[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 31 (Thursday, February 16, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S2904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I am proud to join my distinguished 
colleagues in honoring the 75th anniversary of the founding of the 
League of Women Voters of the United States of America this week. This 
organization has a tremendous record of encouraging women to be active 
in their communities and involved in promoting good public policy. The 
League of Women Voters can be very proud of its history of public 
education and leadership that has helped to strengthen our Government 
and country over the years.
  I also am extremely proud that a native West Virginian and a good 
friend of mine, Becky Cain, is president of the league during its 75th 
anniversary celebration.
  As we all know, the League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political 
organization with 1,100 chapters and over 150,000 members and 
supporters around the country. Open to both women and men, the league 
encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in 
Government through education, advocacy, and organization at the local, 
State, and national levels.
  I know how important the league is for America. I have seen how their 
grassroots efforts helped pass legislation such as the 1993 National 
Voter Registration Act, the historic motor-voter bill, which is making 
it easier for more Americans to register to vote and perform one of the 
essential acts in a democracy. Helping to enfranchise millions of 
Americans is a fundamental effort to strengthen the fabric of our 
country.
  In addition, the league has launched national campaigns such as the 
1992 Take Back the System Program that actively sought to increase 
voter confidence and involvement in the electoral system. And as we all 
know, the league is active at the State and local level in educating 
voters and getting people involved in Government.
  On many occasions, I have been proud to work with league, join in 
their nonpartisan debates, and participate in their events in West 
Virginia and Washington to debate the issues.
  As we think about our country and the future, I believe that 
Americans need organizations like the League of Women Voters more than 
ever to help develop the links and communication between people and 
public servants that are so essential for our government to be 
responsive and effective. The league and its members deserve our deep 
appreciation for their steadfast commitment to educating voters in a 
nonpartisan way about the tough choices and issues that we all must 
face and should try to resolve together.


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