[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2281]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Madam President, today I wish to commend and 
congratulate the League of Women Voters, in honor of the league's 90th 
anniversary. This nonpartisan political organization encourages 
informed and active participation in government, works to increase 
understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public 
policy through education and advocacy.
  The League of Women Voters was founded by Carrie Chapman Catt in 
1920--just 6 months before the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution 
was ratified, giving women the right to vote after a 72-year struggle. 
It was designed to help 20 million women carry out their new 
responsibilities as voters. It encouraged them to use their new power 
to participate in shaping public policy. Today, there are 900 State and 
local Leagues in all 50 States.
  While the league neither supports nor opposes candidates for office 
at any level of government, it works to influence policy through 
advocacy on issues such as voting rights, health care reform, global 
climate change, and election administration. This grassroots citizen 
network is directed by the consensus of its members nationwide.
  In honoring the league, we commemorate the past achievements of women 
and highlight the successes of women today. From the suffragists who 
founded the league 90 years ago to the incredible women who work today 
to improve our communities and our country as elected officials and as 
volunteers, the league's women are making a profound and lasting civic 
impact. I wish the League of Women Voters continued success as they 
bring more women into the political arena as candidates, informed 
voters and advocates.

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