    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 134, 116th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9990 of February 28, 2020
    Women's History Month, 2020
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation
    Women have influenced and advanced every facet of American life and
    culture. The strength, ingenuity, and spirit of our female leaders,
    innovators, and pioneers shape our Nation's character, government,
    industry, families, and communities. During Women's History Month, we
    honor the women who have changed our Nation and the world, and we
    reaffirm our commitment to supporting the next generation of female
    trailblazers and dreamers as they carry forward this distinguished
    legacy.
    This year marks the centennial anniversary of the ratification of the
    19th Amendment to the Constitution, securing the right to vote for
    women. This milestone in our country was made possible by the devotion,
    leadership, and perseverance of pioneers like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and
    Susan B. Anthony. The ratification of the 19th Amendment enabled women
    to finally have their voices counted in voting booths, paving the way
    for greater female participation in all levels of government. Heroes
    emerged like Frances Perkins, who, as Secretary of Labor, was the first
    woman to hold a cabinet-level position in the Federal Government, and
    Clare Boothe Luce, an influential journalist, playwright, Congresswoman,
    and the first woman appointed to a major ambassadorial post abroad.
    Throughout our history, women have also been pioneers in fields like
    science, medicine, and engineering. Bessie Coleman, the world's first
    civilian licensed African-American pilot, and Marie Luhring, the first
    female truck designer, changed the way we think about aviation and
    transportation. Saint Katharine Drexel selflessly served those in need
    and left an indelible mark on nursing and education. NASA mathematician
    Katherine Johnson, who passed away just a few days ago, was behind some
    of the brilliant work that made possible the first manned spaceflights
    by United States astronauts. And just last year, two brave American
    astronauts, Flight Engineers Christina Koch and Jessica Meir, made
    history by conducting the first all-female spacewalk outside of the
    International Space Station.
    My Administration is committed to empowering all women across the Nation
    and around the world to continue pursuing their dreams and lifting
    humanity to new heights. As President, I have championed policies that
    create economic prosperity and opportunity, enabling women to thrive as
    workers, parents, consumers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors.
    In 2019, women comprised 71 percent of the net increase in employment,
    the female unemployment rate reached near historic lows, and women for
    the first time made up the majority of the college-educated labor force.
    I have also signed into law legislation securing historic levels of
    funding for child care so that both women and men can better provide for
    their families, secure in the knowledge that their children are being
    well-cared for. In addition, we secured the first tax credit for
    employers who offer paid family leave for those earning $72,000 or less
    and doubled the child tax credit, benefitting nearly 40 million American
    families, who received an average of $2,200 in 2019.

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    In December 2019, I was also pleased to sign legislation providing for
    12 weeks of paid parental leave for all Federal employees. To drive this
    effort further, I have also called on the Congress to pass a nationwide
    paid family leave program.
    On the international front, last year I signed a National Security
    Presidential Memorandum to direct my Administration to prioritize global
    women's economic empowerment through the first ever whole-of-government
    effort dedicated to this issue: the Women's Global Development and
    Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative. To date, W-GDP has reached 12 million
    women through United States Government programs and partnerships, with a
    goal of reaching 50 million women by 2025. W-GDP's efforts help secure a
    place for women to thrive and to lead their families, communities, and
    nations into new arenas of excellence.
    This month, we pause as a Nation to pay tribute to the women who
    strengthen and enrich our society through civic action, devotion to
    family, and tireless dedication to community, innovation, peace, and
    prosperity. We pledge also to continue fighting for the further
    advancement of women in our society and around the globe, living up to
    the promise of our Nation's founding.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2020 as Women's
    History Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month and to
    celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, 2020, with appropriate
    programs, ceremonies, and activities.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day
    of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fourth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP