[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 17 (Thursday, February 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 90TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2010

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to extend my sincere congratulations to the League of Women 
Voters as they celebrate their 90th anniversary. This is a remarkable 
milestone for this outstanding organization and I am glad to have this 
opportunity to pay tribute to their many invaluable contributions.
  Founded in 1920, just before the 19th Amendment was ratified, the 
League of Women Voters was designed to help women carry out their new 
responsibilities as voters--to engage them in government and to 
encourage them to use their newfound rights to shape public policy. 
Though they encourage their members to be political themselves, this 
grassroots organization has a long and proud history of nonpartisanship 
which has allowed them to play a unique role in our communities and the 
national debate. At its core, the League has always been about 
educating voters and sharing with them how their voice can impact 
public policy at every level of government.
  What began as a ``mighty political experiment'' has grown into one of 
the most respected and dynamic advocacy organizations in the country. 
With more than 900 state and local leagues--represented in each of the 
fifty states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the 
Virgin Islands, and Hong Kong--the League continues to build on the 
successes of the past. Through its grassroots citizen network, the 
League and its members are making innumerable contributions to our 
communities. Whether sponsoring local candidate forums or weighing in 
on the issues facing our nation, the organization is remaining true to 
its most basic purpose--to make democracy work for all citizens.
  Though it grew out of the women's suffrage movement, over its ninety 
year history the League of Women Voters has grown into an advocacy 
organization for all of America's citizens. It has remained committed 
to ensuring that Americans fully participate in the political process 
and use their power as voters to effect meaningful change in public 
policy. It is organizations like the League of Women Voters that make 
our nation--our democracy--so strong.
  Today, as they reflect on the ninety years that have passed, the 
League of Women Voters can be proud of all that they have accomplished. 
I wish them all the best as they celebrate their 90th anniversary and 
extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to the organization and its 
thousands of members for their dedication, commitment and good work.

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