[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Pages 20970-20971]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY

 Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute and 
recognize Women's Equality Day on August 26, 2003. As well as 
celebrating Women's Equality Day, this day is also a celebration of the 
80th anniversary of the Equal Rights Amendment Campaign.
  This year's celebration being hosted by the Advisory Boards on the 
Status of Women of Essex, Bergen, and Union Counties in New Jersey is 
the 155th observance of Women's Equality Day.
  One of the most important people in the fight for women's equality 
was Alice Paul. Alice Paul was born in Mt. Laurel, NJ, and spent her 
entire life fighting for women's rights. She believed that men and 
women should be equal partners in society. She led the final, 
successful campaign for a women's right to vote. She inspired thousands 
to join the struggle as she stood up to Congress and the President.

[[Page 20971]]

  Understanding that securing the right to vote was only the first 
step, Alice Paul authored the Equal Rights Amendment and drafted and 
lobbied for gender equality language in the United Nations Charter and 
the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Alice Paul is a great example that one 
person can make a difference and motivate others to take up a noble 
cause.
  Today, because of Alice Paul and numerous other women who preceded 
and followed her, we're getting closer to true equality for women.
  It is important that we recognize Women's Equality Day. Since the 
days of women's suffrage, we have witnessed a wonderful growth in the 
influence and contributions of women to our politics, our economy, and 
our culture. Although women are not yet full partners in American 
society, we will continue the work of Alice Paul and remember her on 
Women's Equality Day.

                          ____________________