[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 181 (Wednesday, November 13, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H8809-H8811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ROSIE THE RIVETER CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT OF 2019

  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
pass the bill (H.R. 1773) to award a Congressional Gold Medal, 
collectively, to the women in the United States who joined the 
workforce during World War II, providing the aircraft, vehicles, 
weaponry, ammunition and other material to win the war, that were 
referred to as ``Rosie the Riveter'', in recognition of their 
contributions to the United States and the inspiration they have 
provided to ensuing generations, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 1773

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Rosie the Riveter 
     Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) Over 70 years ago there was a call to action, a demand 
     for workers to fill the vacancies left by the men who went to 
     fight in the war.
       (2) More than 6 million women answered the call then, 
     entering the workforce during World War II and providing the 
     equipment, weaponry and ammunition to achieve final victory 
     and end the war.
       (3) These women left their homes to work or volunteer full-
     time in factories, farms, shipyards, airplane factories, 
     banks, and other institutions in support of the military 
     overseas.
       (4) They worked with the United Service Organizations and 
     the American Red Cross, drove trucks, riveted airplane parts, 
     collected critical materials, rolled bandages, and served on 
     rationing boards.
       (5) Our ``Rosie the Riveter'', the women who worked and 
     sacrificed to strengthen this country during World War II, 
     are among the greatest living heroines in the United States.
       (6) These women persevered, despite often facing harassment 
     from their male colleagues and disapproval from their male 
     family members, and all the while continued to maintain their 
     ``other jobs'' as caretakers of children and their 
     households.
       (7) Minority women also overcame long-held policies of 
     discrimination and made significant contributions to the war 
     effort.
       (8) Because of the ``Rosies'', Federal, State, and local 
     agencies coordinated with business owners to develop 
     childcare programs and other supports for working mothers.
       (9) The example that these women set during World War II 
     continues to inspire us and blaze a path for the working 
     women and young girls of today.
       (10) Specifically, the images of ``Rosie the Riveter'' and 
     the phrase ``We Can Do It'' continue to symbolize the 
     empowerment of women today, representing patriotic women who 
     want to serve and strengthen their country, and to inspire 
     young girls to become ``21st Century Rosies'' by aspiring to, 
     and attaining positions of leadership in all walks of life in 
     America.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       (a) Rosie the Riveter.--The term ``Rosie the Riveter'' 
     includes any female individual who held employment or 
     volunteered in support of the war efforts during World War 
     II.
       (b) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Treasury.

     SEC. 4. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.

       (a) Award Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate 
     shall make appropriate arrangements for the award, on behalf 
     of Congress, of a single gold medal of appropriate design in 
     commemoration to Rosie the Riveter, collectively, in 
     recognition of their contributions to the Nation and the 
     inspiration they have provided to ensuing generations.
       (b) Design and Striking.--For the purposes of the award 
     referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury 
     (referred to in this Act as the ``Secretary'') shall strike 
     the gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and 
     inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary.
       (c) National Museum of American History.--
       (1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal 
     under subsection (a), the gold medal shall be given to the 
     National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian 
     Institution, where it shall be available for display as 
     appropriate and made available for research.
       (2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the National Museum of American History shall make the gold 
     medal received under paragraph (1) available for display 
     elsewhere, particularly at other appropriate locations 
     associated with Rosie the Riveter.

     SEC. 5. DUPLICATE MEDALS.

       The Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of 
     the gold medal struck pursuant to section 4 under such 
     regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, at a price 
     sufficient to cover the cost thereof, including labor, 
     materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses, and 
     the cost of the gold medal.

     SEC. 6. STATUS OF MEDALS.

       (a) National Medals.--The medals struck pursuant to this 
     Act are national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 
     31, United States Code.
       (b) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of 
     title 31, United States Code, all medals struck under this 
     Act shall be considered to be numismatic items.

     SEC. 7. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

       The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of 
     complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall 
     be determined by reference to the latest statement titled 
     ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, 
     submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the 
     Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such 
     statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Garcia) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Loudermilk) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Texas.


                             General Leave

  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks and to insert extraneous material thereon.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  During World War II, American women entered the workforce in 
unprecedented numbers. More than 6 million women answered the call to 
duty, filling jobs in factories, farms, shipyards, airplane factories, 
banks, and other institutions left vacant by the men who went to fight 
overseas.
  These women, despite facing harassment and disapproval from their 
male colleagues and family members--and, in the case of minority women, 
long-held policies of discrimination--nonetheless persevered to provide 
critical equipment, weaponry, and ammunition

[[Page H8810]]

to the war effort, all while continuing to serve as primary caretakers 
for children and as heads of household.
  The hard work and sacrifices of these women during the war also paved 
the way for the development of childcare programs and other Federal-, 
State-, and local-level policies to support working mothers and 
families.
  Today, the iconic image of Rosie the Riveter, first popularized as 
part of a wartime recruitment campaign for female workers, continues to 
be a symbol of female empowerment and inspiration for women who wish to 
serve and strengthen their country.
  H.R. 1773 recognizes the brave, patriotic women who stepped up to 
serve their country in its time of need and whose leadership and spirit 
of empowerment continues to inspire ensuing generations.
  I thank Ms. Speier for joining me in introducing this bill this 
Congress, and I urge Members to vote ``yes.''
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as the son of a World War II veteran, the brother of a 
Vietnam veteran, and as a veteran myself who served during the time of 
Desert Storm and other conflicts, I understand that victory in battle 
is not solely due to the soldier on the battlefield, the airman that is 
flying over the battlefield, or the marine or the sailor. It is as much 
the responsibility of all Americans and those who actually supply the 
weapons and the machinery of war that is so desperately needed by those 
who are on the battlefield.
  We saw this play out in a great way during World War II. As our young 
men and women were across the pond and throughout the Pacific fighting 
against tyranny, many here at home stepped up and fulfilled the 
positions that many of them vacated to go fight on the battlefields.
  We are honoring such of those women today, being Rosie the Riveters, 
where 6 million answered their country's call to make sure that the 
airmen had the aircraft to fly; that the infantrymen had the bullets 
and the guns that were needed to defend this country; that the sailors 
had the equipment, the ships, and the weapons to fight on the seas; and 
that the Marines that were invading the islands that were held by the 
Japanese had the materials that they needed.
  We could not have seen that victory in World War II if it weren't for 
these brave patriots who not only took on the roles and the 
responsibilities that others left to make sure that we had the weapons 
and the materials and the logistics that were needed, but while also 
raising families at the same time.
  Back in June, I was honored to be one of the official delegates to 
travel to Normandy, representing the United States and the House of 
Representatives for the 75th anniversary of D-day. I was especially 
honored because my dad was one of those who stepped on the shores of 
Normandy during that battle.
  And, as I was sitting in the audience waiting on the President to 
give his remarks, there were three lovely ladies sitting in the row in 
front of me. We began to engage in conversation, and I found out that 
they were Rosie Riveters. And, of course, I had to have a selfie with 
Rosie the Riveter.
  They became the stars. Regardless of the number of Members of 
Congress who were sitting in the audience, those three ladies became 
the focus of many who were there, and rightfully so. And because of 
their deeds and their patriotism, I fully support this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to do so as well, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick).
  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the Rosie the Riveter Congressional 
Gold Medal Act honors the 20th century icon that unified women and 
inspired them to join the workforce and help with the war effort.
  Throughout our Nation's history, countless Americans have answered 
the call to service during times of conflict and turmoil. During World 
War II, women across the country left their homes for factory jobs in 
support of the war effort, working as riveters, buckers, welders, and 
electricians.
  These Rosie the Riveters embodied the ``We Can Do It'' spirit forever 
connected with the famous poster.
  I am proud to recognize these home-front heroes, especially my 
constituent Mae Krier. Mae is 93. She is in the Chamber with us today. 
She lives in my hometown of Levittown, Pennsylvania.
  During the war, determined women like Mae manufactured planes, ships, 
tanks, weapons, jeeps, and everything else that was needed to defeat 
the enemy. Mae has said, ``We worked, we danced, and we slept on 
Sundays. Most of all, we were duty-bound.''

  Mae has been dedicated to get the real-life Rosies recognized for 
over 30 years. While this bill serves to get a single medal to the 
important symbol that is Rosie the Riveter, it truly is bestowing the 
honor and recognition on the millions of women like Mae Krier.
  I am proud to recognize these heroes as an original cosponsor of H.R. 
1773, alongside Representatives Speier, Huffman, and now 289 of our 
colleagues. And I commend my fellow Pennsylvanian, Senator Casey, for 
introducing this bipartisan bill in the Senate.
  This legislation is supported by the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign 
Wars, the Marine Corps League, the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans 
Memorial Fund, among countless other organizations that represent our 
men and women in uniform and our veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to vote 
``yes'' on this important legislation so that we can see these strong 
American women honored by a Congressional Gold Medal.
  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman 
from California (Mr. DeSaulnier).
  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their 
leadership on this and my friend from Texas for yielding.
  I rise today as a proud sponsor of the Rosie the Riveter 
Congressional Gold Medal Act and thank my colleagues again for their 
bipartisan leadership on this bill.
  During World War II, thousands of women joined the war effort at the 
Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond, California, now home to the Rosie the 
Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park, as part of 
the National Park System, where they produced over 700 ships, the most 
productive shipyards in history.
  These brave and dedicated women broke barriers by taking jobs as 
riveters, welders, and electricians, forever changing the role of women 
in the workforce. They embodied the ``We Can Do It'' motto.
  Among them is Betty Reid Soskin--a constituent, a friend, and a 
pillar of my local community--who is now the National Park Service's 
oldest serving ranger and works at the Rosie the Riveter World War II 
Home Front National Historical Park at the age of 98.
  She has been instrumental in educating thousands of visitors about 
the Rosies and sharing her experience as a young Black woman working on 
the home front.
  I am so proud to have this important piece of history in my district, 
and I urge my colleagues to support this tribute to the Rosies' 
invaluable service to this country.
  Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, as I have no more speakers on this bill, 
I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to emphatically support 
this legislation to give recognition to those who stepped up and served 
our Nation in such an important way during one of the darkest times in 
our Nation's history to ensure that we not only brought home the 
victory, but we liberated millions of those in oppression and tyranny 
across the globe.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I am pleased to bring forward a bill celebrating women from all walks 
of life who, in difficult, dark days chose to rise to the occasion and 
serve their country. They did not let themselves be confined to archaic 
notions of what women can or cannot do, nor did they let others dictate 
what a woman's place is in society.

[[Page H8811]]

  Let me remind my colleagues that these Rosies were also Rositas, who 
came from all parts of our country, including our Hispanic community.
  I would like to read from an interview with Aurora Orozco, one of the 
Rositas from Cuero, Texas, who laid out how so many Latinas 
contributed.
  ``In the valley there were these packing sheds where they packed 
tomatoes and lettuce . . . there were not enough men to work, so they 
started hiring women. So that is when it started to change a little 
more in women's lives. They were calling from the government for women 
to go and work in the factories . . . then they started calling women 
into the Army.
  ``And first it was like, oh, my goodness, `dios mio,' how can these 
women go over there by themselves? Everybody was shocked because we 
were not used to seeing women leave the house. You didn't leave the 
house until you were married. With senoritas, everything was so strict 
and then came this change . . . and I think that was wonderful because 
it opened a new world for women. It showed that women can be 
independent. This was a real break for women.''
  So let us honor the example these women set and continue to blaze a 
path for the working women of today and future leaders of tomorrow.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
important piece of legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Speier), the sponsor of this legislation.

                              {time}  1400

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for giving me this 
opportunity to speak on this very important bill.
  Rosie the Riveters who are left in this country deserve a 
Congressional Gold Medal. In one of the most challenging periods of our 
American history, women stepped up to serve this country. Six million 
women entered the workforce for the first time during World War II, 
offering to build weapons, vehicles, and ammunition that helped us win 
the war.
  The critical contributions of Rosie the Riveters changed the course 
of world history and blazed a trail for today's working women. The 
Rosies proved that they could work and succeed in jobs and industries 
that had long been male-dominated. African American women challenged 
stereotypes and policies of discrimination to contribute to the war 
effort. Because of the Rosies, the U.S. Government worked with 
businesses to develop support for working moms, like childcare 
programs.
  The famous image of Rosie the Riveter, sleeves rolled up, muscles 
flexed, and a bandanna in place, has inspired generations of women and 
girls to embody the strength, patriotism, and ``We Can Do It'' spirit 
that radiates from the poster.
  But even the iconic image can't do justice to the real-life Rosies 
who took on the mantle of the war effort at home, defied expectations, 
eradicated barriers to women's participation in the workforce, and made 
victory possible. It has been one of the great honors of my career to 
work closely with several of these women during my time in Congress.
  Phyllis Gould went to welding school from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. every day 
for weeks to get a job working at a shipyard in California. She was one 
of the first women accepted into the boilermakers union. At 97 years 
old, Phyllis still works tirelessly to make sure we never forget the 
sacrifices and the hard work that American women provided during World 
War II.
  Phyllis' sister, Marian Sousa, went to work at 17 years of age as a 
draftsman in the shipyards in Richmond, California. Marian's volunteer 
work at the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National 
Historical Park preserves the Rosie legacy for future generations.
  Mae Krier went to work at Boeing Aircraft right out of high school, 
helping to build B-17s and B-29 bombers. Today, she is one of the 
foremost Rosie advocates in the country, fighting for recognition of 
the tremendous wartime contributions of American women.
  Betty Reid Soskin, park ranger at the Rosie the Riveter World War II 
Home Front National Historical Park, worked as a file clerk in the 
boilermakers' union hall. Today, she is the oldest national park ranger 
in the country, dedicated to bringing the Rosies' trailblazing legacy 
to life for visitors.
  These Rosies are true American sheroes. It is long past time that 
they and all the women who served on the home front during World War II 
receive recognition from the country for which they sacrificed so much. 
I urge my colleagues to stand with us in honoring our Rosie the 
Riveters with a Congressional Gold Medal.
  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Garcia) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 1773, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________