[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 6, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2294-S2295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 563--DESIGNATING MARCH 2020, AS ``NATIONAL WOMEN'S 
                            HISTORY MONTH''

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Ms. Murkowski, Ms. Hirono, Ms. Cortez 
Masto, Mr. Markey, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Casey, Mr. Coons, Mr. Booker, Ms. 
Stabenow, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Kaine, Ms. Warren, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Van 
Hollen, Mr. Peters, Mr. Carper, Mr. Cardin, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Brown, 
Mr. King, Mr. Jones, Mr.

[[Page S2295]]

Menendez, Ms. Harris, Mr. Reed, Mr. Merkley, Ms. Baldwin, Ms. Rosen, 
Mrs. Murray, Mr. Wyden, Ms. Collins, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mrs. Blackburn, 
Mrs. Loeffler, Mr. Durbin, and Ms. Ernst) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 563

       Whereas National Women's History Month recognizes and 
     spreads awareness of the importance of women in the history 
     of the United States;
       Whereas, throughout the history of the United States, 
     whether in their homes, in their workplaces, in schools, in 
     the courts, or during wartime, women have fought for 
     themselves, their families, and all people of the United 
     States;
       Whereas, in 1987, President Ronald Reagan issued a 
     Presidential proclamation proclaiming March 1987 as ``Women's 
     History Month''; and
       Whereas, despite the advancements of women in the United 
     States, much remains to be done to ensure that women realize 
     their full potential as equal members of society in the 
     United States: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates March 2020 as ``National Women's History 
     Month'';
       (2) recognizes the celebration of National Women's History 
     Month as a time to reflect on the many notable contributions 
     that women have made to the United States; and
       (3) urges the people of the United States to observe 
     National Women's History Month with appropriate programs and 
     activities.

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today in honor of Women's 
History Month to recognize the tremendous achievements women have made 
for the United States and pay tribute to the vital role they have 
played in the political, economic, and social development of this 
Nation.
  What began as a local celebration of women in Santa Rosa, California 
more than 40 years ago, has grown to become a nationally observed month 
of reflection on the many accomplishments of American women.
  Women's History Month gives us the opportunity to honor the many 
contributions women have made, while also inspiring the next generation 
of women leaders.
  I look upon the courage our predecessors displayed with great 
admiration, and I continue to be inspired by those who blazed the trail 
for women like me.
  This year, the United States celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 
ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United 
States, which guarantees women the right to vote. I am inspired by the 
progress we've made over the past 100 years and hopeful we will 
continue to build on that momentum toward full equality.
  When I first came to Washington in 1992, they called it the ``Year of 
the Woman.'' Only two other women were serving in the Senate, and four 
women had just been elected to the chamber, myself included.
  Today, 26 women serve in the Senate and 105 women serve in the House, 
including the only woman to have served as Speaker.
  I'm proud to say that my home State of California has now sent 43 
women to Congress and leads all other States in this regard.
  Even at these historic levels, the number of women in Congress falls 
far short of the 51 percent of women members we should expect based on 
the country's demographics.
  I have great confidence that future generations of women will 
continue to rise up and help lead the way in building a better 
California and United States.
  As with government, the business world has been transformed by 
powerful women at the table, as have the fields of science, music, 
film, athletics, literature, and many more.
  Women also serve in critical roles in the military, with more than 
200,000 active-duty servicewomen proudly serving with honor, courage, 
and distinction and a growing number of women veterans representing 
every branch of service.
  The gains this Nation has made in terms of social progress would not 
have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of women. As women 
have fought for themselves, their families, and their communities, so 
too have they fought for all Americans.
  As a senator proudly representing California, I ask you to join me in 
celebrating the stories and greatness of American women who 
accomplished so much by continuing to defend the rights they worked so 
hard to attain.
  Thank you Mr. President and I yield the floor.

                          ____________________