[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 1, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S4631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. CLINTON (for herself, Mr. Schumer, Mrs. Feinstein, Ms. 
        Landrieu, Mrs. Murray, Ms. Cantwell, and Ms. Collins):
  S. 749. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to 
establish the Votes for Women History Trail in the State of New York; 
to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, today, I am introducing the Votes for 
Women's History Trail Act today in honor of Women's History Month. I 
recognize that this is a very difficult time in the history of our 
country. Our brave soldiers are putting their lives on the line in a 
war halfway around the world. At times like this it is important to 
remember our pioneers, the people who fought for equality and liberty 
for all Americans. Their courage should serve as an inspiration at 
troubling times like these.
  The Votes for Women's History Trail Act would create a moving 
memorial to the women's suffrage movement in upstate New York, home to 
many of the most notable figures and events in the fight for women's 
suffrage. The Women's Rights movement began in 1848 when the first 
Women's Rights Convention occurred in Seneca Falls, NY. Although this 
convention was planned on very short notice, more than 300 people 
descended on Seneca Falls to challenge the subordination of women to 
men and call for equal rights.
  After the Seneca Falls convention, the women's movement, lead in 
large part by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, continued 
their efforts to break down barriers for women. At times, they suffered 
major setbacks. Susan B. Anthony was arrested when she tried to vote by 
claiming that the 14th amendment entitled her to as a ``citizen.'' In 
1875, the United States Supreme Court upheld the decision, forcing the 
women's movement to pursue a different strategy. They were undeterred 
and launched statewide campaigns for voting rights for women. Their 
efforts eventually paved the way for the passage of the 19th amendment 
in 1920--72 years after the first Women's Rights Convention.
  These pioneers believed that women ought to be full and equal 
partners in the social, cultural, religious, economic, educational, and 
political life. To a large degree, their vision has been realized. But 
the journey is not complete. Women still earn only $.73 for every 
dollar earned by men. They are still underrepresented in the highest 
levels of virtually every occupation and field, including the United 
States Congress.
  The Votes for Women's History Trail Act would create a fitting 
tribute to this critical period in our history and to the people whose 
strength and clarity of vision led us through the journey. For young 
children and older Americans alike, it would serve as an important 
reminder of how very far we have come.
  The National Park Service has already conducted a feasibility study 
about this trail. Their study concluded that the Votes for Women's 
History Trail is of historical value, national significance, and 
possesses significant potential for public use and enjoyment. The study 
examined over 300 properties and narrowed the list to the 20 of the 
most significant and easily accessible to the public.
  I am proud to introduce this bill on behalf of Senators Schumer, 
Feinstein, Landrieu, Cantwell, and Murray, and Stabenow. I look forward 
to working with them and so many of my other colleagues to make the 
Votes for Women's History Trail a reality.
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