[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          WOMEN'S VETERANS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2019

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, on June 12, 1948, President Harry S. 
Truman signed into law the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, 
allowing women to serve as regular members of the military.
  On May 5, 2017, State Representative Victoria Neave filed House Bill 
2698, establishing Women Veterans Day.
  HB2698 was later incorporated into Texas Senate Bill 805 and on June 
9, 2017 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott designating June 
12th as Women Veterans Day.
  I am honored to represent over 170,000 distinguished women veterans 
in the state of Texas.
  Moreover, I am proud to work alongside the four women veterans 
serving in the 116th Congress. On this day, it is imperative that we 
highlight women's role in the military and commemorate their valor and 
sacrifice.
  It should be no secret that women play an integral role in our 
nation's armed forces.
  They volunteer for the same reasons as men, but their service can 
come at a steep personal price.
  4.3 percent of women in the military reported being sexually 
assaulted in 2016.
  Female veterans are three to four times more likely than their 
civilian counterparts to become homeless and 2.5 times more likely to 
commit suicide.
  Today's events, in part, were designed to help women veterans find 
resources.
  I am in awe of the invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment 
that women veterans have given this country and my home state.
  I vow to continue my support of women and men veterans alike in the 
House of Representatives, as we owe all veterans our gratitude and 
respect.
  But on this Women Veterans Day in Texas, I urge you to join me 
celebrate and work to understand the sacrifices of women veterans among 
us.

                          ____________________