[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2020

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
celebrate the 100th birthday of the League of Women Voters. For the 
past century, this non-partisan, women-led civic organization has 
worked diligently to promote citizens' active participation in our 
democracy by educating and informing the public about their government.
  I am proud to recount that on February 14, 1920, shortly before the 
ratification of the 19th Amendment granted women their long sought-
after right to vote, the National League of Women Voters was organized 
at the national convention held in Chicago, Illinois. The League merged 
the National Council of Women Voters and the National American Woman 
Suffrage Association, establishing one umbrella organization to 
encourage and assist women to exercise their newly-established right to 
vote. The organization considers Carrie Chapman Catt its founder, and 
Maud Wood Park served as the League's first President.
  While the League's mission was initially focused upon engaging with 
and promoting the participation of women in our republic, the 
organization's scope has dramatically expanded over the years. Today, 
the League is hard at work expanding civic participation and promoting 
good government. The organization is heavily involved in voter 
registration efforts and sponsors candidate debates and forums across 
the country each election cycle, providing communities the opportunity 
to hear from candidates before they head to the ballot box.
  While the League is non-partisan, the organization is not apolitical. 
The League of Women Voters has a long history of taking a stand on 
important issues. The League supported the creation of the United 
Nations, the passage of the National Voter Registration Act, and 
regularly stands up for what is fair and just. The organization 
supports efforts addressing climate change, counteracting gun violence 
in our communities, establishing humane immigration policies, and 
ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable health care, 
among other important issues.
  In 1973 the League modified its charter and allowed men into its 
ranks. Today, men and women alike make up its over 500,000 members and 
supporters at over 700 state and local leagues. The organization is 
represented in all 50 states as well as Washington, DC, the Virgin 
Islands, and Hong Kong.
  On behalf of the residents of the 9th Congressional District of 
Illinois, I wish a happy 100th birthday to the League of Women Voters. 
We are grateful for their service to the nation, and I hope the League 
will continue its efforts for the next century and beyond as they work 
to educate and promote civic participation.