[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 21, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSING OF THE 19TH AMENDMENT

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                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2019

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate 100 years 
since the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 19th Amendment, 
taking a monumental step toward giving women the right to vote.
  Women have always played an instrumental role in shaping this 
country, yet lacked one of the most fundamental rights. It wasn't until 
1919 that our nation righted this wrong and millions of women earned 
the right to vote, thereby gaining full citizenship.
  A women's suffrage amendment was first introduced in Congress in 
1878. It wasn't until 41 years later that both the U.S. House of 
Representatives and the Senate finally voted to approve the 19th 
Amendment. The effort then went on to the states, requiring the 
approval of three-quarters of state legislatures.
  I am proud to say that the great state of Wisconsin led the way. 
Wisconsin made history by becoming the first state to ratify the 19th 
amendment, granting national suffrage to women. This early and 
important vote paved the way for other states to follow suit.
  Today is a day to celebrate the achievements of the women who made 
great sacrifices for suffrage. I especially want to thank Speaker 
Pelosi, and Rebecca Kleefisch who served as Executive Director of the 
Centennial Commission, and all of the other members of Commission for 
their tireless efforts to make this day possible.

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