[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6324]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE ACTIVISM OF WOMEN'S FAST FOR FAMILIES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 28, 2014

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the courageous 
actions taken throughout March and April by women participating in the 
Women's Fast for Families. Representatives of this group held a series 
of events on the National Mall earlier this month, marking the end of 
their month long campaign to raise awareness about the need for 
comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the needs and includes 
the voices of women and families.
  Beginning on International Women's Day, over 1,200 women across the 
country engaged in a series of 24-hour fasts to raise awareness about 
and push for change related to these important issues. In early April, 
over 100 of these women were present on the National Mall here in 
Washington, D.C., to end their campaign with a 48-hour fast.
  I had the privilege of meeting with several of these fasters on the 
National Mall during their fast, and I was inspired by each and every 
woman I had the privilege of speaking with. I believe that their 
devotion to the cause of meaningful immigration reform that treats 
women and families fairly will keep this issue moving forward until we 
are able to pass a comprehensive solution into law.
  I would like to thank each and every one of them for taking a stand 
and working to make the change that they believe in a reality.

                          ____________________