[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          JEANNETTE RANKIN AND 100 YEARS OF WOMEN IN CONGRESS

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                               speech of

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2017

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor former Congresswoman 
Jeannette Rankin, who deserves a special place in American History.
  When I first came to the House of Representatives, I was one of just 
24 women serving in Congress. Although a small cohort, this was made 
possible by Ms. Rankin, who was the first woman elected to Congress, 
100 years ago.
  Congresswoman Rankin was a part of the suffragist movement, even 
opening congressional debate on a Constitutional amendment to grant 
universal suffrage. She brought this same passion to her work in social 
welfare, advocating on behalf of women and children.
  Today we have seen our ranks swell to 104 members of Congress. 
Research has shown that when women participate in government, it is 
more collaborative and more functional.
  Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin was a trailblazer who shattered glass 
ceilings and proved to the American people that women's contributions 
are valuable and they are deserving of positions of power. For her 
tireless efforts, I worked to have a portrait commissioned in 2010, to 
fortify our institution's rich art history, paving a new way of 
democracy.
  I know she would be proud to see the progress we have made, and 
prouder still of the indomitable spirit of American women, who continue 
to make their voices heard.

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