[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 30 (Tuesday, March 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E426]]



   IN HONOR OF MARTHA GRIFFITHS ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EQUAL 
                            RIGHTS AMENDMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN N. RIVERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 1997

  Ms. RIVERS. Mr. Speaker, for the record, I would like to pay tribute 
to an exceptional person whose vision for equality raised the 
consciousness of our Nation. During her 20 years in the House, Martha 
Griffiths dedicated herself to fighting for equal rights for women and 
minorities.
  Elected to Congress in 1954, Ms. Griffiths made the introduction of 
legislation prohibiting wage discrimination on the basis of sex one of 
her first priorities in the 84th Congress. Breaking gender barriers, 
Ms. Griffiths became the first woman representative to win appointment 
to the Committee on Ways and Means in 1962. One of her many great 
achievements in Congress was the inclusion of her amendment prohibiting 
sex discrimination in the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act. Ms. Griffiths 
untiring efforts to create an equal playing field for women led to the 
passage of the Federal Equal Rights Amendment in the 91st Congress. 
Although, ultimately, the Equal Rights Amendment was not adopted into 
law, the legacy of Ms. Griffiths' efforts continue to serve as an 
inspiration to all of us.
  On March 22, 1997, Ms. Griffiths will be in Washington, DC, 
celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Equal Rights Amendment's 
passage in Congress. On that day, we will celebrate Ms. Griffiths 
lifetime dedication to furthering equality for all Americans.

                          ____________________