[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 44 (Monday, March 22, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S1811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

  Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I am honored today to recognize the 
League of Women Voters for their 90 years of voter education and 
activism, and specifically want to congratulate the League of Women 
Voters of Northwest Riverside. County.
  In 1920, when passage of the 19th amendment appeared to be imminent, 
members of the National American Woman Suffrage Association met to form 
the League of Women Voters. Carrie Chapman Catt first proposed the 
creation of a League to ``finish the fight'' and work to end all 
discrimination against women. While initially concerned with the status 
and rights of women, the League of Women Voters gradually expanded its 
interests to include issues affecting the whole community. I am sure 
suffragettes would be pleased that every issue became a women's issue.
  Today, the League works at all levels of government to address a wide 
variety of concerns including health care, education, climate change, 
land use, ethics and election and campaign finance reform. Whether 
through voter guides or public forums, the League gives voters the 
information they need to play a critical role in our community and 
country.
  For nearly 57 years, the League of Women Voters of Northwest 
Riverside County has made a difference--championing countless public 
policy challenges, hosting candidate forums and public information 
meetings, and distributing thousands of voter information guides.
  The suffragettes who started the movement to give women the right to 
vote did not know if they would succeed. But, they persevered. Today, 
with over 850 local Leagues, 50 State Leagues and the National League, 
the League of Women Voters remains just as committed to improving our 
democracy and the quality of life for all our citizens.
  Please join me in honoring the League of Women Voters for its 
dedication to the ideals of our great Nation.

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