[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 10, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E1546]]



        THE NATIONAL WOMEN'S POLITICAL CAUCUS SILVER ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 10, 1996

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the National Women's 
Political Caucus [NWPC] on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.
  The National Women's Political Caucus is a grassroots organization 
committed to increasing the number of women holding elected and 
appointed office in the U.S. Government. Since its founding in 1971, 
NWPC has supported the efforts of women seeking political office, 
regardless of party affiliation.
  Thanks in part to NWPC's multifaceted agenda of support for women 
seeking political office, our Nation has benefited from a continued 
increase in women's political participation. Over the past 25 years, 
America has seen the number of women in State legislatures jump from 
362 to 1,536 and the number of women in Congress grow from 15 to 58.
  NWPC is instrumental to women seeking political office and to women 
facing the challenges of holding office once elected. Many women get 
their start in politics through their involvement in local chapters of 
the caucus across the country. NWPC's educational programs, campaign 
training, and grassroots opportunities are invaluable for women 
candidates as they rise up through the ranks of the political world.
  The NWPC helps women gain elected and appointed office by holding 
campaign workshops, providing campaign support, and encouraging the 
appointment of women to policy-making posts. The caucus also conducts 
research on women as candidates, using the results of these studies to 
increase the number of winning women candidates. For women in office, 
the caucus provides networking opportunities and forums for discussion, 
including newsletters for and about women in politics.
  As the cochair of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, I know 
how important it is to elect women to Congress. Although we come from 
many different backgrounds and have different areas of expertise, we 
share a common commitment and perspective that has already improved the 
political landscape for American women. From issues ranging from 
women's health to women's economic equity, Congresswomen are making a 
difference. The National Women's Political Caucus has been a driving 
force in opening up political office to women, and I sincerely thank 
NWPC for its outstanding work. Mr. Speaker, please join me in 
recognizing the National Women's Political Caucus for its commitment to 
the support and advancement of women in politics.

                          ____________________