[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 126 (Tuesday, August 1, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S11124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN SUFFRAGE

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, this month, across our Nation, 
Americans are coming together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of one 
of the most important events in our history--the passage of the 19th 
amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing women the right to 
vote.
  As we commemorate this momentous anniversary, we pay tribute to the 
remarkable women of the suffrage movement, whose determination and 
courage have inspired and empowered countless Americans. These 
visionary leaders--Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Julia Ward 
Howe, Lucy Stone, and so many more--endured discrimination and scorn as 
they fought to extend a basic right to American women.
  On August 26, 1920, the 19th amendment to the Constitution of the 
United States took effect. It is hard to imagine today that the passage 
of this amendment, with its modest declaration of equality, was so 
hard-fought and divisive. It reads simply:

       The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall 
     not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state 
     on account of sex.

  But to the women of America, these simple words represented profound 
change and the culmination of a 72-year battle for the right to vote.
  On this occasion, we are reminded of the tremendous strides made by 
women in the last century. Just 75 years ago, women could not vote. 
Today, women are actively involved in our political system, organizing 
campaigns, running as candidates, and voting on policy in city councils 
and State legislatures across the country and in the U.S. Congress. 
Indeed, two women now represent California in the U.S. Senate. What 
remarkable change in such a short time. And in every other area of our 
society, women have proven themselves to be gifted and able leaders.
  But at this special time, we are also reminded of the many challenges 
that lie ahead. Currently, women earn only 76 cents for every dollar 
earned by men. A ``glass ceiling'' still prevents many women from 
occupying top management positions in the work force. And our elected 
Government still does not reflect the tremendous diversity of our 
society.
  As we observe this anniversary, we must renew our commitment to 
creating equality for women at every level of our society. And we must 
always remember--every time we exercise our right to vote--the great 
gift bestowed on us by the brave and selfless women of the suffrage 
movement.


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