[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 24, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF 
 REPRESENTATIVES THAT THE SENATE SHOULD GIVE ITS ADVICE AND CONSENT TO 
 THE RATIFICATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF 
                  DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW)

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2017

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
introduce the sense of the House of Representatives that the Senate 
should give its advice and consent to the ratification of the 
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against 
Women (CEDAW).
  CEDAW is a landmark international agreement that calls on governments 
to take appropriate measures to end discrimination against women in all 
areas of life. The Convention seeks to develop women's equality in 
legal status, human rights, political participation, employment, 
education and healthcare, while committing countries to change or 
eradicate discriminatory laws, customs, and practices.
  Despite 189 countries ratifying CEDAW, the United States is the only 
industrialized country in the world that has not ratified the treaty, 
even though its fundamental principles of equality and 
nondiscrimination are paramount to the ideals of our nation. Other 
nations that have not ratified CEDAW include Somalia and Iran.
  CEDAW is not self-executing, but would be a powerful statement 
uniting the U.S. with most of the world in its commitment to women's 
rights and equality. Any legislation the United States might adopt to 
comply with the treaty would have to go through the normal 
Congressional process.
  Ratification of CEDAW would continue our nation's proud bipartisan 
tradition of promoting and protecting human rights. Senate action in 
favor of ratification of CEDAW would strengthen our standing as a 
global leader for the rights of women and girls. I hope my colleagues 
will cosponsor this important resolution that will benefit women in the 
U.S. and around the world.

                          ____________________