[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 50 (Tuesday, April 13, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E613-E614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONCERNED WOMEN FOR AMERICA'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 13, 1999

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to call attention to 
America's largest women's public policy organization, Concerned Women 
for America (CWA), on its 20th anniversary. CWA is the leading voice 
for women across the nation embracing and promoting traditional family 
values.
  Twenty years ago, CWA's founder and chairman, Beverly LaHaye, 
realized a significant number of important voices were going unheard in 
the massive world of public policy. A hard-working parent and active 
citizen, she, along with a handful of other dedicated

[[Page E614]]

women, recognized that merely standing against issues was inadequate. 
On this basis, this small group set out to promote positive change. CWA 
has grown from that handful of women to over half-a-million members 
nationwide. Now, according to CWA, those who would label themselves 
feminists can no longer claim to be the one and only voice for all 
American women.
  CWA promotes values and public policies that strengthen women and 
promote families. The organization empowers its members to turn concern 
into action by working to preserve, protect, and promote biblical 
values through education, legislative programs and community 
involvement. Among other things, CWA staff and grassroots leaders have 
been called upon to testify before the United States Congress and 
various state legislatures regarding issues such as the sanctity of 
human life, education, pornography, religious freedom, national 
sovereignty and the traditional American family.
  On the local level, CWA members are active in defending parental 
rights and involvement in education, promoting sexual abstinence among 
teens, and supporting crisis pregnancy centers. They also educate 
communities on the virtues of respecting all human life and traditional 
lifestyles.
  In 1998, Mrs. Carmen Pate became president of CWA, where she serves 
as the primary media spokesman and liaison to federal and local elected 
officials.
  Concerned Women for America's legislative department monitors federal 
legislation and provides a presence on Capitol Hill and internationally 
on behalf of concerned conservative women. CWA's field department 
coordinates the organization's grassroots chapters, providing 
leadership training, resources and issue updates. The broadcast and 
media department produces the syndicated daily radio talk show, 
``Beverly LaHaye Today.'' which is heard weekly by over one million 
listeners. CWA spokesmen are always available to local and national 
media to give the conservative woman's perspective on issues affecting 
the home and the nation. CWA's research and publications department 
produces a monthly magazine, Family Voice, and publishes an array of 
informative brochures, position papers and booklets.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to commend Concerned Women for America for 
twenty outstanding years of dedicated service to the men, women and 
children of our great nation.

                          ____________________