[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[House]
[Pages 4662-4666]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1400
 SUPPORTING THE GOALS, IDEALS, AND HISTORY OF NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY 
                                 MONTH

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1021) supporting the goals, ideals, 
and history of National Women's History Month, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1021

       Whereas the purpose of National Women's History Month is to 
     increase awareness and knowledge of women's involvement in 
     history;
       Whereas as recently as the 1970s, women's history was 
     rarely included in the kindergarten through grade 12 
     curriculum and was not part of public awareness;
       Whereas the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County 
     (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a 
     ``Women's History Week'' celebration in 1978 centered around 
     International Women's History Day, which is celebrated on 
     March 8th;
       Whereas in 1981, responding to the growing popularity of 
     women's history celebrations, Congress passed a resolution 
     making Women's History Week a national observance;
       Whereas during this time, using information provided by the 
     National Women's History Project, founded in Sonoma County, 
     California, thousands of schools and communities joined in 
     the commemoration of National Women's History Week, with 
     support and encouragement from governors, city councils, 
     school boards, and Congress;
       Whereas in 1987, the National Women's History Project 
     petitioned Congress to expand the national celebration to 
     include the entire month of March;
       Whereas educators, workplace program planners, parents, and 
     community organizations in thousands of American communities, 
     under the guidance of the National Women's History Project, 
     have turned National Women's History Month into a major local 
     learning experience and celebration;

[[Page 4663]]

       Whereas the popularity of women's history celebrations has 
     sparked a new interest in uncovering women's forgotten 
     heritage;
       Whereas the President's Commission on the Celebration of 
     Women in American History was established to consider how 
     best to acknowledge and celebrate the roles and 
     accomplishments of women in American history;
       Whereas the National Women's History Museum was founded in 
     1996 as an institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, 
     and celebrating the diverse historic contributions of women, 
     and integrating this rich heritage fully into the Nation's 
     teachings and history books;
       Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes March, 
     2008, as National Women's History Month; and
       Whereas the theme of National Women's History Month for 
     2008 is visionary female artists and their contribution to 
     our cultural heritage: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Women's 
     History Month;
       (2) recognizes and honors the women and organizations in 
     the United States that have fought for and continue to 
     promote the teaching of women's history; and
       (3) reaffirms its commitment to promoting National Women's 
     History Month, which this year honors female artists.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Serrano). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentleman from Virginia 
(Mr. Davis) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.


                             General Leave

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she might 
consume to the author of this legislation, Representative Lynn Woolsey 
of California.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, March was the 20th Annual National Women's 
History Month. That is why I am so pleased to introduce H. Res. 1021, a 
resolution to recognize and honor this National Women's History 
Celebration.
  In America, women were once considered second-class citizens, whose 
rights were restricted from voting to property ownership, actually. But 
here we are today; one woman is a major candidate for President of our 
Nation and another woman is Speaker of the House of Representatives.
  Sadly, until the late 1970s, women's history wasn't taught in many of 
our schools, and was almost completely absent in media coverage and 
cultural celebrations. That is why the Education Task Force of the 
Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women, which I chaired, 
initiated a Women's History Week Celebration in 1978. This celebration 
centered around International Women's History Day.
  The National Women's History Project, located in my district, was 
founded in 1980 by many dedicated women who poured their hearts and 
their ideas into promoting and expanding the weeklong celebration. With 
the help of several dedicated women, including Mary Ruthsdotter, Molly 
Murphy MacGregor, Maria Cuevas, Paula Hammett, and Betty Morgan, 
thousands of schools and communities joined in the commemoration of 
Women's History Week by bringing specific lessons on women's 
achievements into the classroom, by staging parades to engage 
neighborhoods in the celebration.
  Their hard work, their dedication paid off. The celebration started a 
national movement. And in 1981, Congress responded to the growing 
popularity of Women's History Week by making it a national observance 
and eventually expanding the week to a month in 1987. Imagine what 
American history lessons would be today without the inclusion of 
Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad operation, or Mary Katherine 
Goddard, who was the first person to print the Declaration of 
Independence with the names of all the signers included.
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in reaffirming our 
commitment to the celebration of women's history by supporting H. Res. 
1021 that will ensure that our grandchildren and our great 
grandchildren learn and care about women like Amelia Earhart and 
eventually of course the first woman President.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Waxman, I want to thank Ranking 
Member Davis, and Chairman Davis for supporting this resolution, as 
they have continually supported the efforts of all women. Supporting 
this resolution will make it impossible to study American history 
without remembering the contributions of women as well. So I thank you 
all.
  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Let me start by thanking and congratulating the gentlelady from 
California for bringing this resolution to the floor. It was given a 
lot of thought. This is something that I think is very, very important, 
and I am honored to speak in support of H. Res. 1021, recognizing and 
celebrating Women's History Month.
  Each March we express appreciation for the brilliance, bravery and 
determination women have demonstrated throughout U.S. history. Women in 
the United States often found themselves second-class citizens in their 
own country. They have had to fight for many of the rights men always 
have enjoyed; to vote, to own property, even in some cases, to be 
obtain an education.
  From the iron will of Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams and mother of 
John Quincy Adams, who wrote that women, ``will not ourselves bound by 
any laws which we have no voice,'' to the reforms advanced by Lucretia 
Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony, women have stood 
for their country by standing up for themselves.
  The contributions made by women to our Nation can't be overlooked. 
Clara Barton, a Civil War nurse, founded the American Red Cross. Amelia 
Earhart was a pioneer in aviation. Harriet Tubman, who we honored 
earlier today, an escaped African American slave, risked everything to 
bring others to freedom as the conductor of the Underground Railroad. 
The Women's Suffrage Movement finally made America whole.
  Today, American women enjoy many of the fruits of these early labors. 
They serve at or near the highest levels of government, business and 
other positions of power and influence. The doors to careers, education 
and achievement seem as open to them as to men. But that doesn't mean 
the struggle is over or that heroines of the past should be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to join me by supporting this 
resolution. I want to again thank Representative Woolsey for bringing 
this to our attention and thank Chairman Waxman and Chairman Davis for 
their assistance in bringing this to the floor.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I too want to thank and commend Representative Woolsey 
for her introduction of this legislation. I also want to thank the 200 
women who attended a town hall meeting which I held in my district on 
Sunday in recognition of Women's History Month. I want to thank 
Reverend Helen Cooper, Pastor of the Westside Center of Truth Church 
for being the host.
  As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government 
Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H. 
Res. 1021, as amended, which is designed to provide recognition and 
support for National Women's History Month, which just ended yesterday 
with the conclusion of the month of March.
  H. Res. 1021 was first introduced by Representative Lynn Woolsey of 
California on March 3, 2008, and has the support and cosponsorship of 
80-plus Members of Congress, both men and women from both sides of the 
aisle. The measure was considered by the Oversight panel on March 13, 
2008, and was passed by voice vote after being amended for technical 
purposes.
  Mr. Speaker, I guess it's only accurate to say that history, whether 
American or International, would not have been written as it is without 
the

[[Page 4664]]

role of women. But all too often the vast significance of women 
throughout history goes unnoticed and under appreciated, which is why 
organizers in Sonoma County, California, established back in 1978 a 
public celebration of women's history, calling it Women's History Week. 
In 1987, Congress expanded the celebration to a month, and March was 
declared Women's History Month.
  Since the 1970s, we in America have seen notable growth in the study 
and expansion of women's history. In fact, today almost every college 
offers women's history courses and most major graduate programs offer 
doctoral degrees in this important field.
  Even today, we continue to witness history makers. From our very own 
Speaker of the House, to top Presidential contenders, business women, 
scientists and athletes, women are clearly making key contributions to 
our communities, our country, and our world. As we celebrate female 
artists and their contributions to our cultural heritage as this year's 
theme of National Women's History Month, let us as a body once again 
elevate and support the goals, ideas and history of Women's History 
Month and pass the measure at hand.
  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it's now my pleasure to yield 
such time as she might consume to Representative Tsongas of 
Massachusetts.
  Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National 
Women's History Month, and particularly this year's focus on female 
artists. I commend the organizations and communities across the country 
that celebrated Women's History Month by educating people about the 
many contributions women in the arts have made. My hometown of Lowell, 
Massachusetts, is a great example.
  The hard work of members of the Lowell community made Lowell Women's 
Week 2008 a great success by bringing together diverse organizations 
that held art displays and workshops all around women's art and 
history. In Lowell, women's commitment to the arts coincided with the 
cities founding as this country's first planned industrial city. At the 
time of its founding in the late 19th century, the young women working 
the textile mills also published a literary magazine of essays and 
poetry entitled: The Lowell Offering.
  Without commemorative months like this one, some of our most 
interesting women's history would be forgotten. This resolution rightly 
honors female artists of the past. But I also salute the many women who 
throughout our communities tirelessly support the arts through 
philanthropic means or with their time and effort.
  I hope the passage of this resolution today does not mark the end of 
a month of remembrance, but is a catalyst for renewed interest in 
learning what great women of the past have given us.
  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1021, 
supporting the goals, ideals, and history of National Women's History 
Month.
  As recently as the 1970s, women's history was largely unaddressed in 
school curriculum and among the general public. In 1987, the National 
Women's History Project petitioned Congress to expand the national 
celebration of Women's History from 1 week to the entire month of 
March. Since then, the National Women's History Month Resolution has 
passed both Chambers of Congress with bipartisan support each year.
  Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have been a strong supporter of 
Women's Rights, such as guaranteeing that women and families have 
adequate time to care for themselves and family members when they 
become ill, without facing the loss of job security and wages. As a 
member of the Health Subcommittee, I have worked diligently with my 
colleagues in Congress to bring increased awareness and services for 
women's health issues, such as early detection and treatment of ovarian 
cancer. Since its inception in 1987, Women's History Month, under the 
guidance of the National Women's History Project, has become a renowned 
celebration of the accomplishments of women everywhere, recognizing the 
limitless opportunities that women have in the modern world, and 
generating a renewed interest in the rich cultural heritage of women.
  This year during Women's History Month, we celebrate female artists 
and their contribution of originality, beauty, and imagination to the 
art world. I hope that we will continue to work together in Congress to 
support the cultural contributions of women, and critical women's 
rights and women's health issues, not only during Women's History 
Month, but year round.
  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 1021, which supports the goals and ideals of National 
Women's History Month and pays honor to those who promote the teaching 
of women's history.
  I commend the National Women's History Project, which was founded in 
northern California, for establishing the legacy of Women's History 
Month; and I thank Congresswoman Woolsey, a fellow Californian, for 
bringing this important resolution to the floor today.
  From the earliest days of our great Republic, women have been 
marginalized throughout many parts of society. But as our country has 
developed, so too have the rights and responsibilities of women. In 
1917, Jeanette Rankin blazed a path for women in Congress, putting the 
first crack in our country's highest glass ceiling. Only 3 years later, 
our Nation ratified the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing that political 
enfranchisement in America will never be denied due to gender. In 1964, 
the Civil Rights Act extended gender protections to the workplace and 
beyond. And as Members of the 110th Congress, we have the privilege to 
serve alongside a woman who ably executes this institution's highest 
office and who is the most senior female in American political history.
  However, the journey from disenfranchisement and marginalization is 
not complete. Women working full time still earn 80 cents to every 
dollar earned by men. In this House--the greatest representative body 
in the world--the number of women serving is hardly proportional to the 
population we represent.
  In addressing these persistent inequities, I believe we will be well 
served by a thorough understanding of the great strides taken by women 
in the past. A study of women's history is a study of America's path 
toward greater equality and liberty. The story of women in our country 
lights the way to the fulfillment of our highest ideals.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution honors the decision made over two 
decades ago to set aside time for the teaching of women's history, and 
it highlights the salience of women's history as we chart a course for 
the future. I commend Ms. Woolsey for her leadership on this issue, and 
I urge my colleagues to join in affirming the importance of National 
Women's History Month.
  Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, I affirm today my support for H. 
Res. 1021, supporting the goals, ideals, and history of National 
Women's History Month. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this 
resolution demonstrating the commitment of the House of Representatives 
to promoting National Women's History Month, which this year celebrates 
female artists and their contribution of originality, beauty, and 
imagination to the world of art.
  I am proud that my home state of South Dakota has a strong tradition 
of women in the arts and I would like to thank South Dakotans for the 
Arts for its work promoting the arts and supporting women artists in my 
home state. I'd like to describe for my colleagues some of the talented 
and remarkable women artists and authors that have found inspiration in 
hills and prairies of South Dakota.
  Women in South Dakota have done the work of art throughout our 
history, beginning with our First Peoples and continuing today.
  Native American women practice traditional art forms passed from 
generation to generation, adapting changes in materials and technique 
to add beauty and new texture to the traditional art. Their work 
includes the quillwork and quilts of Alice New Holy Blue Legs and 
Nellie Star Boy Menard, as well as the contemporary silver of Linda 
Szabo and paintings of Joanne Bird.
  Some of South Dakota's pioneer women artists arrived in the Dakota 
Territory after studying at major schools of art in New York, Boston, 
Chicago, and Paris. They helped to bring the artistic disciplines of 
the East and Europe to the Northern Plains. As new colleges and 
universities were opened in what is present-day South Dakota, women 
helped to found departments of art and joined the teaching faculty.
  In South Dakota, these pioneer artists and teachers included two very 
influential women who contributed both through their own artwork and 
through their dedication to their students.
  Grace French, born in 1858, arrived in Rapid City, Dakota Territory 
in 1885. She painted the remarkably beautiful landscapes of the area 
with color and subtlety, adding poetry

[[Page 4665]]

and beauty to the popular imagination of the Plains and the West.
  Ada Bertha Caldwell was born in 1869 and graduated from the School of 
the Art Institute in Chicago. She accepted a position at Springfield 
College at Yankton, South Dakota. In 1900, she founded the Department 
of Art at what is now South Dakota State University, and was a teacher 
and major influence for Harvey Dunn, a noted illustrator and painter of 
pioneer life on the South Dakota prairie.
  South Dakotans also celebrate the many talented women in literature 
that have enriched our lives and deepened our understanding of a sense 
of place and history with their stories. American favorites from South 
Dakota include Laura Ingalls Wilder, Linda Hasselstrom, Kathleen Norris 
and Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve.
  For these few examples and numerous others, I am pleased to join with 
my colleagues today to honor these women artists and authors. May their 
contributions continue to provide joy, education, and inspiration to 
future generations on the Northern Plains and throughout our Nation.
  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Women's History 
Month. April was designated as Women's History Month in 1987 to honor 
women and the achievements they have made throughout the years. I want 
to pay special tribute to my female colleagues in the California 
delegation.
  I am proud that California has led the way in electing women to some 
of the highest offices in the federal government. Currently, there are 
19 women from California in the House of Representatives, more than any 
other state. Among these are the Speaker of the House, a Chair and a 
vice-Chair, and 12 subcommittee Chairs. These women, who hold 
leadership positions, wield an enormous amount of power that was un-
heard-of just a couple of decades ago.
  In the fall of 2006, the American people elected the Democrats to the 
majority and as a result, they put into motion a process that would 
ultimately break one of the ``glass ceilings'' for women in politics. 
After she was sworn in, Nancy Pelosi, the first ever female Speaker of 
the House said, ``It says to women everywhere that not only a glass 
ceiling but a marble ceiling can be broken and that anything is 
possible.'' This was an historical day for women, not only from the 
United States, but from around the world. I have talked to numerous 
women who have mentioned watching this momentous occasion on TV.
  These women hold their positions in part because of the hard work of 
women like Jeannette Rankin of Montana, who served from 1917-1919 and 
again in 1941-1943; Mae Ella Nolan of California, who served from 1923-
1925; Florence Kahn of California, who served from 1925-1937; and Helen 
Douglas of California, who served from 1945-1951. These women were 
pioneers in the field of politics at a time when politics was a man's 
purview. Thanks to these women, we have elected the first woman Speaker 
of the House, who is third in line for the Presidency.
  Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to the women across the country, and 
around the world, who have made history by their varied 
accomplishments. And the women who have come before you and have helped 
lead the way for women in the political arena.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 1021, expressing support for the goals, ideals, and history 
of National Women's History Month. I would like to thank my friend and 
colleague, Congresswoman Woolsey, for introducing this legislation, 
which I am proud to cosponsor. Let me also thank the chairman of the 
Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Chairman Waxman, for 
bringing this resolution before us today.
  The purpose of National Women's History Month is to increase 
awareness and knowledge of women's involvement in history. I strongly 
believe that it is vital to honor the originality, beauty, imagination, 
and multiple dimensions of women's lives. As recently as the 1970s, 
women's history was rarely taught in schools, and was not part of 
public awareness. To address this situation, the Education Task Force 
of the Sonoma County, California, Commission on the Status of Women 
initiated a ``Women's History Week'' celebration for 1978. In 1981, in 
response to the growing popularity of women's history celebrations, 
Congress passed a resolution making Women's History Week a national 
observance. Within a few years, thousands of schools and communities 
across the country were celebrating National Women's History Week.
  The popularity of women's history celebrations has sparked a new 
interest in uncovering women's forgotten heritage. Under the guidance 
of the National Women's History Project, educators, workplace program 
planners, parents and community organizations in thousands of American 
communities have turned National Women's History Month into a major 
celebration and a springboard for celebrating women's history all year 
round.
  Mr. Speaker, in the early days of our great Nation, women were 
relegated to second class status. Women were considered sub-sets of 
their husbands, and after marriage they did not have the right to own 
property, maintain their wages, or sign a contract, much less vote. It 
was expected that women be obedient wives, never to hold a thought or 
opinion independent of their husbands. It was considered improper for 
women to travel alone or to speak in public.
  The fight for women's suffrage was formally begun in 1848, and, in 
1919, after years of petitioning, picketing, and protest parades, the 
19th amendment was passed by both Houses of Congress; it was ratified 
the following year.
  However, the right to vote did not give women equal rights, and 
subsequent decades saw an ongoing struggle for equality. A major 
success came with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This 
law, enacted in June 1972, states ``No person in the United States 
shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be 
denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any 
education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.''
  Title XI, introduced by Congresswoman Patsy Mink, also notable as the 
first Asian American woman elected to Congress, has opened countless 
doors to educational activities, perhaps most prominently including 
high school and collegiate athletics, to women. Congresswoman Mink's 
legacy lives on as, each year, hundreds of women across the Nation 
participate in NCAA athletics, learn teamwork and perseverance, earn 
scholarships enabling them to study at college, and enjoy equal footing 
with men in the academic arena.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to the women, local heroes, of 
my district. Women like Ramona Tolliver, long time Fifth Ward resident, 
former precinct chair, founding board member of Fifth Ward Community 
Redevelopment Corporation, member of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic 
Church, and member of the Metropolitan Organization, who is still 
actively advocating for her community. Women like Nellie Joyce Punch, 
long time Fifth Ward resident, retired educator at Phyllis Wheatley 
High School, former precinct chair, founding board member of Fifth Ward 
Community Redevelopment Corporation, member of the Methodist Church, 
also actively working on behalf of her community. Both Ms. Tolliver and 
Ms. Punch are active in Houston's Fifth Ward, where they act as the 
conscience for the community, calling for change and actively working 
to better our city.
  Women like Dr. Charlesetta Deason, principal of Houston's DeBakey 
High School for Health Professions. Dr. Deason helms a school that 
offers students interested in science and health careers an alternative 
to the traditional high school experience, located in the renowned 
Texas Medical Center and boasting an ethnically diverse faculty and an 
excellent introductory study of medicine.
  Or women like Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia, the first 
Hispanic and first woman to be elected in her own right to the office. 
Commissioner Garcia is active in the Houston community, and she has 
served on more than 25 community boards and commissions, including the 
San Jacinto Girl Scouts, the Houston Hispanic Forum, the American 
Leadership Forum, the Texas Southern University Foundation, and the 
Institute of Hispanic Culture.
  As a Nation, we have come a long way toward recognizing the important 
role women play, not only in our local communities, but in our Nation 
as a whole. Since 1917, when Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana 
became the first woman to serve in Congress, 243 more women have served 
as U.S. Representatives or Senators. In 1968, Shirley Chisholm became 
the first African American woman elected to Congress; I am now proud to 
be one of 13 African American women serving in this body.
  In addition, we are now, for the first time, under the leadership of 
a woman Speaker of the House. Speaker Pelosi has led this Democratic 
Congress in a new direction, listening to the will of the American 
people, as it was clearly expressed last November.
  Mr. Speaker, the great tragedy of women's history is that, many 
times, the history of women is not written down. Too often, throughout 
the course of history, the contributions of women have gone unrecorded, 
unheralded, and are now forgotten. And so, Mr. Speaker, during Women's 
History Month, we do not stand here only to remember the Eleanor 
Roosevelts, Harriet Tubmans, and Rosa Parks, women who are now 
celebrated in our schools and history books, but also the millions of 
female unsung heroes who built this Nation, and who made it truly 
great.

[[Page 4666]]

  I would like to pay special tribute to women, mothers, and 
grandmothers across the country. In particular, I would like to draw 
attention to the growing phenomenon of grandparents raising children. 
As of 1996, 4 million children were being raised by their grandparents, 
and statistics published the following year indicated that more than 
one-tenth of all grandparents provided the primary care for their 
grandchildren for at least 6 months and typically much longer. These 
numbers continue to grow, and these grandparents, generally ineligible 
for financial or social support, often suffer greatly to provide a safe 
and loving home for these children.
  In addition, Mr. Speaker, we pay tribute to the brave women who serve 
proudly in our Nation's military. We have come a long way since the 
first American woman soldier, Deborah Sampson of Massachusetts, who 
enlisted as a Continental Army soldier under the name of ``Robert 
Shurtlief.'' Women served with distinction in World War II: 350,000 
American women served during World War II, and 16 were killed in 
action. In total, they gained over 1,500 medals, citations, and 
commendations. In December 1989, CPT Linda L. Bray, 29, became the 
first woman to command American soldiers in battle, during the invasion 
of Panama.
  The war in Iraq marks the first time in American history that a 
substantial number of the combat wounded are women. 350,000 women are 
serving in the U.S. military--almost 15 percent of active duty 
personnel, and one in every seven troops in Iraq is a woman. Women play 
a role in nearly all types of military operation, and they have time 
and time again demonstrated extreme bravery, courage, and patriotism.
  I would particularly like to honor one of our heroic daughters: Army 
SPC Monica L. Brown. Brown is the first woman in Afghanistan and only 
the second female soldier since World War II to receive the Silver 
Star, the Nation's third-highest medal for valor. Army SPC Monica Brown 
was part of a four-vehicle convoy patrolling near Jani Kheil in the 
eastern province of Paktia on April 25, 2007, when a bomb struck one of 
the Humvees. After the explosion, in which five soldiers in her unit 
were wounded, Brown ran through insurgent gunfire and used her body to 
shield wounded comrades as mortars fell less than 100 yards away. Army 
Specialist Brown, a native Texan, represents the best of our Nation's 
fighting men and women, and she clearly demonstrates that the admirable 
qualities of patriotism, valor, and courage know no gender.
  Mr. Speaker, Women's History Month is an opportunity for all 
Americans to reflect on the women who have built, strengthened, and 
maintained this great Nation. Women who have often gone unrecognized 
and unheralded for their great achievements, sacrifices, and 
contributions. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 
women in their communities, in their families, and in their lives.
  I, along with the residents of the 18th Congressional District of 
Texas, recognize the unique contributions of women throughout the 
course of American history. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this resolution.
  Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1021, 
honoring the goals, ideals, and history of National Women's History 
Month, which recognizes the women and organizations in the United 
States, past and present, who have fought for and continue to promote 
women's rights and history. This resolution will ensure that the legacy 
of gender equality continues and that the struggles of those who came 
before us and fought for equality are not forgotten.
  The revolutionary ideas of equality on which our Nation was built 
took a long time to be extended to the whole population. The abolition 
movement of the mid-1800s fought for the equal treatment of men 
regardless of race and brought together many female activists, such as 
Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. These women went on to host 
the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention, where many women gathered in a large 
public forum to discuss women's rights and expressed themselves through 
a Declaration of Sentiments, which was based on our Nation's founding 
document.
  Although over 70 years passed between this momentous gathering and 
the passage and ratification of the 19th amendment, the work and 
dedication of women pushing for the right to vote and equal treatment 
under the law is a lasting legacy. We are reminded daily of the 
successes of the women's suffrage movement as we walk through the 
United States Capitol Rotunda and pass the portrait monument to 
Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony.
  Without the diligent work and dedication of those women who strove 
for equal representation in Government, we would not have been able to 
have you, Ms. Pelosi, serve as the first female Speaker of our House of 
Representatives.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues today to vote for this important 
resolution that will give due honor and respect to the women of America 
past and present with the celebration of National Women's History 
Month.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I had some other speakers who had 
intended to be here. Unfortunately, they have not arrived, and I would 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1021, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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