[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 56 (Monday, April 7, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2188-S2189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LAS VEGAS VALLEY

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and recognize the 50th 
anniversary for the League of Women Voters of the Las Vegas Valley. On 
May 7, 1964, the league held their first meeting, which was attended by 
just a handful of women in Las Vegas. Fifty years later, because of the 
hard work and relentless service of its founding members and their 
predecessors, the league today continues to be a resounding voice for 
Southern Nevadans on issues that matter most to women, families, and 
communities.
  Upon the league's inception and formal recognition from the National 
League of Women Voters in 1965, the group began organizing around 
issues such as school integration, open housing, environmental 
conservation, and education. By coming together, league members found 
great success on many of the issues they championed. Today, the league 
remains a vital force in the Las Vegas Valley around similar, important 
social causes. Some of the league's earliest members included 
distinguished Southern Nevadans, many of whom are personal role models 
of mine, like Flora Duncan, Margaret Quinn, and Jean Ford. Over the 
years, countless others began their path to leadership with the League.
  As I stand to honor the league on this special occasion, it is also 
important to recognize that this year we celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of women having the right to vote in Nevada. In 1920, the 
19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed to prohibit any 
United States citizen from being denied the right to vote on the basis 
of sex. I am proud that in my home State, we had already recognized 
women's right to vote 6 years earlier.
  Nevada was a leader among States in the fight for women's suffrage--
undoubtedly, this achievement was due to the remarkable and pioneer-
like spirit of those Nevadans behind the movement. This spirit still 
exists today among organizations like the league and its members.
  Across the U.S. and in every State, women have had the constitutional

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right to vote for just short of a century. It is important that 
citizens, both women and men, do not take for granted their right to be 
heard. For this reason, it is fitting that we honor the League of Women 
Voters of Las Vegas Valley as their work offers each new generation the 
reminder that civic engagement has been, and continues to be, one of 
the most important rights we have as we strive to make our community 
and our country a better place to live. I applaud and celebrate with 
the League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley on their 50th 
anniversary.

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