[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 193 (Thursday, November 12, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S6664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





         ROSIE THE RIVETER CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT OF 2019

  Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I rise today to urge this body to pass 
H.R. 1773, the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act. This 
bill would honor the American women who joined the workforce in support 
of the war effort during World War II.
  Millions of women dedicated themselves to strengthening our Nation 
and answered the call to action by joining the workforce and learning 
new jobs. Many of these women built the vehicles, the weaponry, and the 
ammunition that were critical to the war effort. Whether they worked on 
assembly lines, addressed the troops' medical needs, or tended to ships 
and farms, Rosies ensured the country continued functioning during the 
war while often serving as the primary caretakers for their children.
  These Rosie the Riveters rose to the challenge and set a powerful 
example both to working women and for all Americans. Rosies not only 
faced gender-based discrimination, but Rosies of color fought racial 
discrimination, all while manufacturing planes, ships, tanks, weapons, 
jeeps, and everything else that was needed to defeat the enemy in World 
War II.
  Today, their example continues to inspire generations to embody the 
``We can do it'' spirit. The Rosies are among our Nation's greatest 
living heroines. They deserve recognition and formal commendation for 
their service to our country while they are still with us.
  The Rosies who are still alive are in their nineties, and we need to 
honor them now. The House version of the Rosie the Riveter Gold Medal 
Act passed a year ago on November 13, 2019, by unanimous consent and 
with broad bipartisan cosponsorship. The Senate version, S. 892, which 
I introduced last year, has 76 cosponsors, including 36 Republicans, as 
well as all 26 women serving in the Senate of both parties.
  This body has already made clear its overwhelming support for the 
bill. Each State contributed to the war effort, and each State has 
Rosies awaiting this award.
  I would like to tell you about a Rosie the Riveter from my home State 
of Pennsylvania. I will just put up a poster of a picture of her. As I 
said, she is a Pennsylvanian. Her name is Mae Krier of Levittown, PA, 
Bucks County, Southeastern Pennsylvania. Mae worked in a Boeing factory 
where she helped make B-17 and B-29 warplanes as a teenager during 
World War II. Mae is now 94 years old and has been working to recognize 
and honor her fellow Rosies--not for years; she has been working on 
this for decades.
  Mae is a patriot. And Mae is now serving her country yet again during 
another crisis. She has spent the better part of this year making face 
masks for those who need them. These polka-dot masks are reminiscent of 
the bandanna worn by the woman in the famous ``We Can Do It'' poster.
  Mae is the embodiment of the ``We Can Do It'' spirit. For over 70 
years, from the Boeing assembly line where she worked to her sewing 
machine today, Mae has devoted herself to the betterment of the Nation.
  She and her fellow Rosies have earned this Congressional Gold Medal. 
Many of Mae's friends--her fellow Rosies--have passed away without the 
recognition that they are worthy of. Thousands more are eagerly 
awaiting the passage of this bill, in addition to the families of the 
Rosies who have died.
  This honor has already been delayed for far too long. I urge my 
colleagues to pass this important, time-sensitive legislation.
  So, Madam President, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous 
consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs be 
discharged, and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of 
H.R. 1773.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A 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.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to proceeding?
  There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the 
Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
  Mr. CASEY. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a 
third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered 
made and laid upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The bill (H.R. 1773) was ordered to a third reading, was read the 
third time, and passed.
  Mr. CASEY. Thank you

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