[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2352]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE SESTAK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 19, 2008

  Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, since 1920, the League of Women Voters 
(LWV) has fought for good government and an engaged, enlightened 
citizenry.
  Founded by Carrie Chapman Catt just six months before the 19th 
amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified and women were afforded 
the right to vote, this vital organization works tirelessly to protect 
the democratic process in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto 
Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hong Kong.
  The League began as a ``mighty political experiment'' to help 20 
million women carry out their new responsibilities as voters and 
encourage them to use their new power to shape public policy. As their 
mission statement demands, the League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan 
political organization to encourage informed and active participation 
in government, increase understanding of major public policy issues, 
and influence public policy through education and advocacy.
  Over its history, the League's legislative priorities have reflected 
the greatest needs of our society. Our victories in the House and 
Senate in addressing the concerns of Americans owe much to the efforts 
of those dedicated patriots of the League of Women Voters.
  I would like to congratulate and honor the League of Women Voters on 
its 78th anniversary. In the 7th Congressional District of 
Pennsylvania, I am fortunate to represent constituents from Delaware, 
Montgomery and Chester counties. In our district, the League of Women 
Voters is superbly represented by Ms. Lora Lavin and Ms. Norma Tower of 
Swarthmore Pennsylvania, Ms. Rosemary Kessling of Drexel Hill 
Pennsylvania, Gayla McCluskey of Radnor Pennsylvania, Susan Fields of 
Kemblesville, Pennsylvania, May Bell Ball of Flourtown, Pennsylvania, 
Suzanne F. Andrews of Norristown, Pennsylvania and Carol Snow of Bryn 
Mawr, Pennsylvania.
  For their energy, dedication to the highest ideals of democracy and 
service to their neighbors, I request that we recognize this 
extraordinary organization and its members for their invaluable 
contributions to our great nation.

                          ____________________