[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 12, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E369-E370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN COMMEMORATION OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 12, 2008

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I wish to commemorate the month 
of March 2008 as Women's History Month in honor of the female 
trailblazers and unsung heroes in American history.
  Historically, women have contributed significantly to the greatness 
of our Nation. American women from diverse origins have transformed and 
revolutionized politics, law, business, social service, civil rights, 
education, music, athletics, science and technology, as well as the 
military. Together, their dedication, perseverance and courage has 
generated a wave of opportunities for entire generations of women. The 
contributions of notable women such as Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, 
Harriet Tubman, Dorothy Height, Coretta Scott King, Sally Ride and many 
others have sparked an unstoppable momentum for women's rights and 
others.
  In government, trailblazers such as Hattie Wyatt Caraway, the first 
woman elected to the U.S. Senate (1932), and Jeannette Rankin, the 
first woman in Congress (1917), paved the way for 16 female Senators 
and 70 female Representatives to be elected to the 110th Congress, 
which is the highest number ever in congressional history. More 
importantly, the House of Representatives elected Nancy Pelosi, the 
first woman to serve as the third most powerful official in America. In 
the legal sector, women such as Arabella Mansfield Babb, the first 
woman admitted to the bar (1869), and Belva Ann Lockwood, the first 
woman to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court (1879), have opened 
doors for women to enter the professional workforce as legal experts. 
Similarly, Lucy Brewer, the first woman marine (1812), inspired her 
predecessors to defend their Nation with pride and valor.

[[Page E370]]

  These women and many others are legends today. Therefore, it is 
essential that all Americans acknowledge and celebrate the 
contributions of women throughout our Nation's history. In addition, as 
America's arms stretch out across the seas, we must honor women in the 
international community that have challenged, changed and improved the 
condition of women and others in their native countries. That is why on 
March 8, 2008, America celebrated International Women's Day.
  I urge my colleagues and all Americans to commemorate women for their 
contributions to the advancement of our great Nation.

                          ____________________