[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 6]
[House]
[Pages 7597-7602]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               SUPPORTING NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 211) supporting the goals and ideals of National 
Women's History Month.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 211

       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;
       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 2009 
     as National Women's History Month; and
       Whereas the theme of National Women's History Month for 
     2009 is women taking the lead to save our planet: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Women's 
     History Month; and
       (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.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Clay) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CLAY. 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 Missouri?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration 
of H. Res. 211, which is designed to provide recognition and support 
for National Women's History Month, which is commemorated annually 
during the month of March.
  Sponsored by our colleague, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey of California, 
H. Res. 211 was introduced on March 5, 2009, and is currently 
cosponsored by 115 Members of Congress, both men and women, as well as 
from both sides of the aisle. The measure was considered by Chairman 
Towns and the Oversight panel on March 10, 2009, where it was passed 
without objection by voice vote.
  Mr. Speaker, I contend that it would be challenging to recount 
history without recognizing the profound role that women have played in 
every community, State, and country throughout the world. While only a 
small measure of appreciation, today's consideration of H. Res. 211 is 
designed to express the appreciation and the gratitude of this 
legislative body for the priceless and timeless contribution of women 
throughout history.
  The origins of National Women's History Month dates back to 1978 when 
organizers in Sonoma County, California, established a public 
celebration of women's history, calling it ``Women's History Week.'' In 
1987, Congress expanded the celebration to a month-long commemoration 
by declaring March as Women's History Month.
  Since the 1970s, we in American 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 of study.
  Even today, we continue to witness women history makers--from our 
very own Speaker of the House to the Speaker of the California State 
Assembly. From Governors and mayors to successful businesswomen, 
scientists, athletes, teachers and, of course, mothers, women are 
clearly making a difference in our country and in our world.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ISSA. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in recognizing Women's History 
Month. This is important. We recognize a great many days and months 
here in the Capitol, and sometimes we get disparaged for it. But I 
think when we look at the important role and the partnership since 
Colonial times until this very day that women have spent and made in 
our history, we do so without it being properly marked in history.
  One needs to dig a little deeper in order to see the equal 
participation of

[[Page 7598]]

women. Our Founding Fathers did not make the decision to go to war 
without the support of their families because their land, their 
property, and their very lives were at stake when they made that 
decision.
  Since 1987, this country has recognized Women's History Month in this 
month, and we should. National Women's History Month has also received 
the support of Federal, State, and local officials that allow for 
public fora to raise the awareness and perhaps to inspire a next 
generation of women to do all that they can do, be all that they can 
be, and participate in ways that women throughout our history have, and 
more.
  So I join with my colleagues, and particularly my California 
colleague, Representative Woolsey, in asking that we take a moment to 
recognize Women's History Month.
  I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1300

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the sponsor of the resolution, Ms. 
Woolsey of California, for 4 minutes.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Women's History Month. 
Women were once considered second-class citizens whose rights were 
restricted, from voting to property ownership. But today, women serve 
in the Senate and the House of Representatives, they serve as members 
of the President's cabinet, and as Speaker of the House of 
Representatives. It is important that the role that women have played 
in shaping this country is honored. However, it wasn't until the late 
1970s that women's history was taught in our schools. It was almost 
completely absent in media coverage and cultural celebrations.
  That is why, Mr. Speaker, in 1998, the Education Task Force of the 
Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women, when I was the Chair 
of the Commission on the Status of Women, initiated a women's history 
week celebration, a celebration that 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. Because several dedicated women, including Molly Murphy 
MacGregor, Mary Ruthsdotter, Maria Cuevas, Paula Hammett, and Bette 
Morgan, decided to write women back into history, thousands of schools 
and communities then started to commemorate Women's History Week by 
bringing lessons on women's achievements into the classroom, staging 
parades, and engaging neighborhoods and churches in celebration of the 
contributions of women.
  The hard work and dedication of these women and the support of the 
Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women paid off. They started 
a national movement, and in 1981 Congress responded to the growing 
popularity of Women's History Week by making it a national observance 
in 1987 and expanding the week to a month, the month of March.
  Imagine what American history lessons would be today without teaching 
about Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad; or the work of Elizabeth 
Cady Stanton or Susan B. Anthony, and the many women who fought for 
women's suffrage; or Dr. Sally K. Ride, who was the first woman in 
space, encouraging more girls to be interested in science.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in reaffirming our 
commitment to the celebration of women's history by supporting H. Res. 
211, to ensure our grandchildren and great grandchildren learn more 
about women like Amelia Earhart and, eventually, the first woman 
President.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Towns, Chairman Clay, and 
Ranking Member Issa for supporting this resolution. Let us reflect on 
the contributions of women. Let us reflect on their place in history, 
with the hope that the day will come, and soon, when it is impossible 
to study American history without remembering the contribution of 
women.
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  As cochair of the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues, it gives me 
great pleasure to rise in strong support of H. Res. 211, Recognizing 
March As Women's History Month. I want to thank Congresswoman Lynn 
Woolsey for introducing this resolution, and to acknowledge our own 
woman Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi.
  Women's History Month is about recognizing the achievements of women 
throughout our history, while also acknowledging the significant 
obstacles they had to overcome along the road to success, and the many 
we still face. I want to thank President Obama for creating, this 
month, a high-level White House Council on Women and Girls.
  Our women's caucus, which is cochaired by my friend and colleague, 
Mary Fallin, is dedicated to addressing those challenges by supporting 
legislation and developing policies through our eight task forces. And 
I want to thank my sisters in the House for making history that will 
lift women and girls in the United States and around the world. We, as 
the more privileged women of the United States of America, see 
ourselves as part of an international sisterhood, where women in places 
like the Congo are facing a weapon of war that is low cost and low tech 
called rape. We are concerned about our sisters here in the United 
States who are victims of domestic violence and discrimination in the 
workplace. We understand all these challenges, but we have seen women 
throughout history, fierce and strong women, who have stood up to those 
and overcome those challenges, and we want to acknowledge those women 
on whose shoulders we stand and to pledge in their memory to go forward 
on their behalf.
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to my good 
friend from the State of Wisconsin (Ms. Moore).
  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. As a vice chair of the Congressional Women's 
Caucus, I proudly rise today in support of House Resolution 211, 
honoring the contributions that women have made to history both at home 
and abroad.
  Women have never, ever had it easy, and it is vital that as we 
continue to move forward, we never forget the contributions of those 
who came before us. Whether it was Harriet Tubman, repeatedly risking 
death to lead slaves through the dangers and trials of the underground 
railroad, or Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony organizing, 
against the wisdom of the day, to convince the male electorate to let 
women vote, over and over and over again women have stood up and 
demanded the rights that are due to them. And today, with so much 
uncertainty in our economy, it is women in households across our 
country who are pooling together their resources to make sure their 
families can eat and that their children are on time for school. So let 
us remember Mother Ruth, Big Mama, Aunt Peaches, and Grandma Helen.
  This resolution honors the contributions that women have made through 
history. But it does more than that. It reminds us of the strength and 
dignity that we possess in even the most uncertain times, and it urges 
us to seek out and stamp out injustice against women and their families 
wherever we see it. I urge support for H. Res. 211.
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, at this time I recognize my friend from Ohio, 
the most senior female in the House, Ms. Kaptur, for 2 minutes.
  Ms. KAPTUR. I thank Chairman Clay for moving this bill forward. I 
thank him for yielding me time. I want to thank Congresswoman Woolsey 
for her great leadership in introducing House Resolution 211, honoring 
the contributions of women across history, and certainly here in our 
great country. I want to thank Congressman Issa for his support.
  I also want to say that we have a long way to go. As far as we have 
come, we have even further to go. The majority of women's contributions 
in history have never been recorded. So much of what women have lived 
has not even

[[Page 7599]]

been put to pen and to page; and that is no more true than here in the 
House of Representatives itself.
  I was so pleased the other day to walk in the main corridor on the 
first floor of the Capitol, and to see for the first time in history 
the portrait of Shirley Chisholm hung in a place where most people who 
travel here will actually witness the first African American woman ever 
to be elected to the Congress of the United States, and who campaigned 
for me in my very first campaign. She left in 1983.
  For a very long time, indeed the first 200 years of our country, up 
until this last decade, the only portrait of a woman hung in this House 
was of Pocahontas over in the main dome of the Capitol as she saved the 
life of John Smith around the year 1623. But it wasn't until this last 
decade where we tried to get the portraits of women hung in this 
Capitol, and it has proved to be as hard as winning the Revolutionary 
War.
  Mary Norton, the child of Irish immigrants, has finally been hung in 
the Education and Labor Committee as the first woman to chair a 
committee in this House, the Education and Labor Committee. She wrote 
the National Labor Relations Act, No Child Labor, time-and-a-half 
overtime, minimum wage. And for all those years, from the Great 
Depression until this past year, her portrait was in a closet here in 
the Capitol. Imagine that. Jeannette Rankin, the first woman to ever 
serve from the State of Montana before suffrage was even adopted, never 
a portrait of her. Finally, it was commissioned. We worked so hard. She 
is hung up on the third floor as you come off to the visitor's gallery.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. CLAY. I yield the gentlewoman another 30 seconds.
  Ms. KAPTUR. I thank the gentleman for that time. And, to say, when 
the Senate saw what we did in the House, they hung a portrait of Hattie 
Carraway, the first woman elected to the Senate, over on the Senate 
side.
  So the road has been a very long road, even here inside the Capitol, 
which is supposed to reflect the history of the American people. We 
know as women, at the founding of our republic, as with slaves, we were 
considered three-quarters of a person, and it was not until 1920 with 
adoption of the 19th amendment to our Constitution were we considered 
full persons. And it was not until the Married Women Property Acts were 
passed in the State of New York in the late 1800s that in fact women 
began to emerge from the shackles that had held them in bondage for all 
of recorded history.
  I congratulate my dear friend from California, Congresswoman Woolsey. 
I thank the chairman of the Committee. Thank you for bringing us into 
the 21st century.
  Mr. CLAY. Let me first of all thank the gentlewoman from Ohio for 
that quick history lesson on women's history in this Capitol. I want to 
yield to my friend from South Dakota (Ms. Herseth Sandlin) for 2 
minutes.
  MS. HERSETH SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri 
for yielding. I rise in strong support of House Resolution 211, a 
resolution Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Women's History 
Month.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution, along with many of 
my colleagues, and would like to thank Congresswoman Woolsey for 
introducing this legislation, recognizing the critical role women have 
played in shaping the Nation we are proud to call home today.
  Women like the pioneers who helped settle the great plains in the 
West, the women who were the suffragettes working to ensure women's 
right to vote, the role of so many women on the home front and abroad 
throughout our Nation's history and serving in our Armed Forces, the 
important and positive influence of women across the country in the 
workplace, in public service, and throughout our communities.
  Although we have certainly come a long way in ensuring equal 
treatment of women, challenges do remain. In recognition of the need to 
address the obstacles women still face, President Obama signed an 
executive order recently, creating the White House Council on Women and 
Girls, and I was honored to participate in the signing ceremony at the 
White House.
  Given the number of working mothers in South Dakota, one of the 
highest numbers per capita in the country, and having recently become a 
working mother myself, I will be particularly interested in this new 
council's focus on this aspect of women and families. I am proud of the 
progress we have made to integrate the stories of heroic American women 
into the discussion of our Nation's history. I encourage schools and 
organizations across the country to participate in the celebration of 
National Women's History Month and make their own unique contribution 
to the ongoing narrative of the history of women in America.
  I would like to thank again Congresswoman Woolsey for introducing 
this important resolution. I thank her for her leadership, and I 
encourage my colleagues to support the resolution.
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to recognize the 
distinguished gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus) for 2 minutes.

                              {time}  1315

  Ms. TITUS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding.
  Today I rise in strong support of H. Res. 211 and National Women's 
History Month, which this year celebrates women who are taking the lead 
to save our planet. Women have played a critical role in the fight to 
protect the Earth as activists, scientists and public servants. In 
Nevada, many of the early environmental activists, like Tina Nappe, 
were women inspired to act by their childhood experiences in the 
beautiful Silver State. They have been joined by respected scientists, 
such as Dr. Peg Rees, dedicated to finding new ways to protect the 
desert for future generations.
  As public servants, women have also made a significant contribution 
to saving our planet. In the Nevada legislature, for example, our women 
members have been ahead of their time, championing issues from 
renewable energy development, like Sheila Leslie, to smart growth, like 
Chris Giunchigliani. These many accomplishments are being documented, 
analyzed and disseminated to the public by the Women's Research 
Institute at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas under the able 
direction of Dr. Joanne Goodwin.
  But Women's History Month is not only a month of remembrance of the 
important women of our past. It is an inspiration for the next 
generation of women and a call for them to continue the fight to leave 
this precious rock a better place to our children than we found it. So, 
thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you especially, Ms. Woolsey, for 
offering this important resolution that commemorates the 22nd 
anniversary of National Women's History Month.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe today as we move this important piece of 
legislation recognizing Women's History Month that we realize that 
women have played an important part in both parties and in all the 
major issues of our time. Certainly when we view Susan B. Anthony 
through the role she played as a strong women's suffragette and as a 
strong advocate for women's rights, the right of life, a strong pro-
life advocate, we realize that women have played an important role in 
political decisions, decisions of war and peace and in development of 
so many things in our country. And they continue to do so today.
  So, I would hope that as we recognize Women's History Month, we 
recognize that women are just as independent in their politics, in 
their desires and in their beliefs as any man would ever hope to be, 
and that we not falsely determine that somehow women will save the 
planet where men won't, or that there aren't women developing 
innovative solutions including next generation nuclear, wind and solar, 
and, beyond that, solutions that haven't even been talked about on the 
House floor.
  With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CLAY. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my 
friend

[[Page 7600]]

from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz) for 2 minutes.
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of 
National Women's History Month.
  With this year's theme of ``Women Taking the Lead to Save Our 
Planet,'' I am pleased to recognize the many women who have showed 
exceptional vision and leadership in the ongoing efforts to save our 
planet, women like Carol Browner, the White House Coordinator of Energy 
and Climate Policy, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the first ever female Speaker 
of the U.S. House of Representatives, Eileen Collins, the first woman 
shuttle commander, and Nan Rich, my State senator, who just became the 
first female Democratic leader in the Florida State Senate in our 
history. These women exemplify that a woman can do any job a man can 
do. As we saw during the Presidential election, women like Secretary of 
State Hillary Clinton showed Americans that women are ready to lead.
  My daughter, Rebecca, turned in her fourth grade biography report on 
Susan B. Anthony this week. She and I learned together about the right 
to vote and equal access to education for women that she fought for so 
valiantly but never lived to see. As the mother of two young daughters, 
it is so important to me that they see strong women taking the lead to 
repair our world.
  As we look to the future and the steps that must be taken to save our 
planet, women can and will take the lead.
  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support 
of House Resolution 211, a bill to support the goals and ideals of 
National Women's History Month.
  I would like to send a tribute out to all of the women trailblazers 
who have contributed so much to our country. And I think St. Patrick's 
Day is the perfect time to remember them! I would like to begin by 
sending a very special thank you to former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder 
of Colorado; Congresswoman Carrie Meek of Florida; and Congresswoman 
Barbara Kennelly of Connecticut; and to some of the women Members who I 
had the honor to serve with in this body and recently passed: The 
Honorable Stephanie Tubbs-Jones of Ohio; The Honorable Julia Carson of 
Indiana; and the Honorable Juanita Millender-McDonald of California.
  I would also like to discuss a few of the women who served as mentors 
to me over the years. I remember growing up in Jacksonville, back in 
the civil rights era in the United States. And I knew I wanted to do 
something--get involved in something big--to make a difference. And I 
was inspired by a strong willed woman, Ms. Gwendelyn Sawyer Cherry, who 
would stop at nothing to change the terrible ills that our society, and 
in particular, African Americans, were facing in that time period.
  Ms. Sawyer Cherry was the first African-American woman to practice 
law in Dade County, Florida, and became one of the first nine attorneys 
who initially served at Legal Services in Greater Miami in 1966. She 
was elected as a state representative in 1970, becoming the first 
African-American woman to serve as a legislator for the State of 
Florida. She was elected to four terms and served until 1979.
  During her term, she introduced the Equal Rights Amendment in 
Florida, chaired the State of Florida's committee for International 
Woman's Year in 1978, and co-authored Portraits in Color. I thank you, 
Ms. Sawyer Cherry, for all you have done for our nation and for the 
state of Florida.
  And the last woman I would like to mention is a very near and dear 
friend of mine; an African American woman who served with me both in 
the Florida state legislature and came up to Washington with me in 
1993. I am referring to, of course, Ms. Carrie Meek of Miami.
  The granddaughter of a slave and the daughter of former 
sharecroppers, she spent her childhood in segregated Tallahassee. She 
then went on to graduate from Florida A&M University in 1946, at a time 
when African Americans could not attend graduate school in Florida, so 
she was forced to travel North to continue her studies and ended up 
graduating from the University of Michigan.
  Ms. Meek went on to become a Florida state representative in 1979, 
and was the first African American female elected to the Florida State 
Senate in 1982. As a state senator, Meek served on the Education 
Appropriations Subcommittee, and her efforts in the Legislature also 
led to the construction of thousands of affordable rental housing 
units.
  In 1992, Congresswoman Carrie Meek was elected to the U.S. House of 
Representatives from Florida's 17th Congressional District. This made 
Ms. Meek, along with myself and Congressman Alcee Hastings, to serve as 
the first black lawmakers elected to represent Florida in Congress 
since Reconstruction. Upon taking office, Ms. Meek was faced the 
extreme task of helping her district recover from Hurricane Andrew's 
devastation, and her efforts helped to provide $100 million in federal 
assistance to rebuild Dade County.
  As a powerful and hard working Member of the appropriations 
committee, Congresswoman Meek became a leader on issues from economic 
development, to health care funding, to education and housing. She also 
passed legislation to improve Dade County's transit system, their 
airport and seaport; construct a new family and childcare center in 
North Dade County; and fund advanced aviation training programs at 
Miami-Dade Community College. In recent times, the Honorable Carrie 
Meek has worked to become a civil rights advocate for senior citizens 
in the Miami area, as well for the Haitian community in South Florida.
  In closing, I want to thank these pioneers, those who have led the 
way for our daughters today and in the future.
  Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to celebrate March as 
National Women's History Month with my support of H. Res. 211, 
``Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Women's History Month.''
  Women make up only 17% of the 111th Congress--that is abysmal given 
that we make up more than 50 percent of America's population. In the 
private sector, women CEOs are also in the minority. According to a 
2008 census by Catalyst, among fortune 500 companies, only 2.4 percent 
are women. We can do better. More voices of women are needed in our 
boardrooms, courtrooms and in the halls of Congress.
  In my home state of Arizona, women have been trailblazers. This year, 
Arizona became the only state in the nation to have three female 
Governors in a row: Jane Hull, Janet Napolitano and Janice Brewer. In 
1998, Arizona became the first state to elect women to all five of its 
top offices, dubbed the ``Fab Five.'' Additionally, Sandra Day 
O'Connor, the first women to serve on the United States Supreme Court, 
hails from the great state of Arizona.
  All of these strong, independent leaders embody the true spirit of 
Arizona women: self-reliant, hard-working and determined.
  I also want to pay tribute to the countless organizations and 
coalitions that work tirelessly to improve the lives of women and girls 
throughout Southern Arizona.
  I am proud to celebrate National Women's History Month by recognizing 
the increased awareness and knowledge of women's involvement in 
history.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand here before you not 
only as a Member of the United States Congress, but as a woman. I fully 
support H. Res. 211, ``Supporting the goals and ideals of National 
Women's History Month'', this is an issue that I hold dear to my heart. 
This bill will increase awareness and knowledge of women's involvement 
in history.
  Women's history is a vital part of American history, however it is 
not public knowledge; mostly in part to the lack of women's history 
education in the schools. I thank my colleague Representative Woolsey 
for introducing this valuable piece of legislation.
  As Susan B. Anthony said ``It was we, the people; not we, the white 
male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, 
who formed the Union'' and ``There never will be complete equality 
until women themselves help to make laws and elect lawmakers.''
  This national celebration and recognition of women's historic 
achievements began in 1980 when National Women's History Week was 
proclaimed by Presidential Proclamation. In 1987, this national 
celebration was expanded by Congressional Resolution to an entire month 
by declaring March as National Women's History Month.
  National Women's History Month provides an opportunity to educate the 
general public about the significant role of women in American history 
and contemporary society. Establishing this focal celebration has 
encouraged schools to introduce new curriculum, and communities to 
recognize women who have been pivotal in their own communities.
  The knowledge of women's history provides a more expansive vision of 
what a woman can do. This perspective can encourage girls and women to 
think larger and bolder and can give boys and men a fuller 
understanding of the female experience.
  Today, women account for 51% of the world's population and throughout 
``woman's-kind'' we have had countless sisters whose brilliance, 
bravery and power changed the course of history. H. Res. 211 recognizes 
and

[[Page 7601]]

honors the women and organizations in the United States that have 
fought for and continue to promote the teaching of women's history.
  While we have come a long way from the early nineteenth century, when 
women were considered second class citizens whose existence was limited 
to the interior life of the home and care of the children, we have yet 
to achieve equality. It is a shame that a decade into the new 
millennium we are still fighting for women's equality and the right to 
be respected for our contributions both in and out of the workplace.
  This bill will bring awareness to all of those women who have broken 
barriers and glass ceilings for the rest of us. Women such as the 
Honorable Speaker Pelosi, the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Susan B. 
Anthony, the Honorable Barbara Jordan, Sojourner Truth, Sacagawea, Rosa 
Parks, Amelia Earhart, Joan of Arc, and the list could go on for miles.
  However, this month is not only about the well known women of 
history. It is also about those less renowned, such as Belva Ann 
Lockwood, who fought for admittance into law school. She fought to 
practice before the Supreme Court and even ran two full campaigns to 
run for President of the United States, although she could not vote. 
Texas is home to a multitude of women. The women of Texas are strong, 
and National Women's History Month is the perfect time to celebrate the 
diverse population of women that reside in the great state of Texas. I 
am a proud Texan, and today, I want to bring attention to several women 
from Texas who deserve recognition and praise for their influence in 
the continuing fight for women's equality.
  One of my personal heroes is Barbara Jordan. Barbara Jordan was born 
in the Fifth Ward of Houston to a Baptist minister and a domestic 
worker. She grew up a native Houstonian, attended Houston public 
school, and attended Texas Southern University in Houston. In 1966, 
Barbara Jordan was elected as State Senator becoming the first woman to 
serve since 1883. Her political career continued to grow when she was 
elected to Federal Representative in 1972. As a Congresswoman, Barbara 
Jordan sponsored the cause of the poor, black, and disadvantaged 
people. She is truly a strong woman from Texas that is more than 
deserving of our recognition during National Women's History Month.
  A native Texan, Ann Richards was politically motivated from a young 
age. Through the 1950s and 60s, she volunteered on several Democratic 
Governor campaigns, and by 1976, she won her first political position 
as a Commissioner in Travis County. Beginning in 1982, she became the 
first woman elected to statewide office in 50 years as state Treasurer, 
and in 1990, a Democrat turned the typically red state of Texas blue. 
Ann Richards worked hard to champion for all of her constituents while 
she was in office and continued this fight even after she was out of 
office. In 2006, Ms. Richards passed away, but she will always be 
remembered for her kind heart and determined demeanor. She was an 
advocate for women everywhere. I want to make sure that her Texas 
memory is not forgotten.
  Alongside Barbara Jordan and Ann Richards there are many Texas women 
that have championed to represent strong, Texas women. Throughout 
Texas, there are women that have paved their individual paths 
independently and with dignity. Texas Railroad Commissioner Lena 
Guerrero was also a Hispanic legend in Texas. She was the youngest ever 
President of the Young Democrats of Texas at 21 years of age and was 
elected as a state representative in 1984. She was the first Hispanic 
and first woman on the Texas Railroad commission. Tragically, Lena met 
her demise at the age of 50. However, in her short time, Lena was 
someone to be admired and who made many contributions as a Texas 
citizen.
  Dr. Polly Turner, an Associate Professor of Health Administration at 
Texas Southern University is another outstanding woman I would like to 
direct attention to. In 2007, she was awarded the Outstanding Texan 
Honoree in Education by State Representative Garnet Coleman.
  Vanessa Diane Gilmore is a judge on the United States District Court 
for the Southern District of Texas. She was appointed to this position 
by President Clinton in 1994. At that time, she was the youngest 
sitting federal judge in the United States. She was also the first 
graduate of the University of Houston to be appointed to the federal 
bench.
  Hazel Hainsworth Young is another Texan deserving of our respect. In 
1926, Hazel Young was named the first Latin teacher at the brand-new 
Jack Yates High School. In 2008, HISD honored Ms. Young and her 
contributions as a teacher at her 103rd birthday.
  I would also like to direct attention to Faye B. Bryant, the 21st 
International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc. Faye 
B. Bryant was born in Houston in 1957. Since then, Ms. Bryant has 
worked as a teacher and administrator of Houston Independent School 
District (HISD). Along with her education focus, she stayed a strong 
supporter of her sorority, and as President of AKA, she has reached out 
to other nations and developed programs such as the African Village 
Development Program.
  Mattelia B. Grays, the 18th International President of AKA, was also 
a native born Houstonian. After her education in Michigan and 
California, Ms. Grays returned to Houston to teach for public schools. 
Under her leadership the Rodgers Educational Enrichment Center was 
named one of ``One of Six Super Schools'' by Texas Monthly magazine. 
Like Ms. Bryant, Ms. Grays held positions of influence in HISD and 
championed for children's rights.
  Aside the plethora of minority women that have made a name and 
established a foothold in the state of Texas, there are Caucasian women 
such as Patricia Lykos who is currently the District Attorney of Harris 
County. A graduate of the University of Houston and South Texas College 
of Law, Patricia has dedicated her career to the administration of 
justice. In 1980, she was the first Republican elected to the Harrison 
County criminal court bench.
  Melissa Noriega is also a woman to be admired. She is a 27 year 
veteran of the HISD, a community activist, and a former member of the 
Texas House of representatives. Melissa's actions demonstrate her 
belief in public service and her ability to set aside her personal 
agendas for the greater good.
  Furthermore, Rosanna Osterman was a Texas pioneer, American Civil War 
nurse and philanthropist. She lived in Galveston, and during the 1853 
yellow fever epidemic, she erected a temporary hospital on her family 
premises in order to nurse the sick and the dying. Osterman also chose 
to stay in Galveston during the civil war and opened her home as a 
hospital, first to Union soldiers, then to Confederate soldiers.
  I am proud to stand here today as a female member of Congress and 
champion for the unending fights for the rights and equality of women, 
and I am proud that I am able to bring recognition to these truly 
amazing women from Texas.
  Women have a distinct place in American history as well as world 
history. Women had to fight uphill battles in order to free themselves 
from their cages. For example, women had to prove that intense physical 
or intellectual activity would not in fact be injurious to the 
``delicate'' female biology, and to be seen as individuals and not 
property and objects of beauty.
  As Susan B. Anthony said ``It was we, the people; not we, the white 
male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, 
who formed the Union'' and ``There never will be complete equality 
until women themselves help to make laws and elect lawmakers''. Women 
face discrimination and prejudice everyday, yet women all over the 
world continue to work hard to make a difference--to alter their lives 
and the lives of others. I believe that women have always had the power 
to change the world and we will. I urge my colleagues to support this 
important resolution.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong 
support of House Resolution 211, Supporting the Goals and Ideals of 
National Women's History Month. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this 
resolution.
  Throughout the month of March, we pause to celebrate the rich 
achievements women have made in every aspect of life--whether in arts, 
government, science, sports, or family life. We stand here to champion 
these contributions and honor those taking the lead to save our planet.
  Before the 1970s women's history was largely overlooked, but today we 
cannot ignore the significant contributions women have made in shaping 
our country and building for a brighter, more peaceful future.
  Recognizing these accomplishments through Women's History Month will 
no doubt greatly impact the self-esteem of young women and girls.
  Emphasizing the wide range of educational and career opportunities, 
and introducing them to positive role models of all backgrounds, will 
leave a lasting impression on the future women leaders of our country.
   Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to support House Resolution 
211, recognizing the unique role of women and working to increase 
awareness of women's involvement in our history.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield back the remainder of my 
time.
  Mr. CLAY. At this time, we yield back the balance of our time.

[[Page 7602]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 211.
  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. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  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.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

                          ____________________