Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
______
HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and
celebrate the 100th birthday of the League of Women Voters. For the
past century, this non-partisan, women-led civic organization has
worked diligently to promote citizens' active participation in our
democracy by educating and informing the public about their government.
I am proud to recount that on February 14, 1920, shortly before the
ratification of the 19th Amendment granted women their long sought-
after right to vote, the National League of Women Voters was organized
at the national convention held in Chicago, Illinois. The League merged
the National Council of Women Voters and the National American Woman
Suffrage Association, establishing one umbrella organization to
encourage and assist women to exercise their newly-established right to
vote. The organization considers Carrie Chapman Catt its founder, and
Maud Wood Park served as the League's first President.
While the League's mission was initially focused upon engaging with
and promoting the participation of women in our republic, the
organization's scope has dramatically expanded over the years. Today,
the League is hard at work expanding civic participation and promoting
good government. The organization is heavily involved in voter
registration efforts and sponsors candidate debates and forums across
the country each election cycle, providing communities the opportunity
to hear from candidates before they head to the ballot box.
While the League is non-partisan, the organization is not apolitical.
The League of Women Voters has a long history of taking a stand on
important issues. The League supported the creation of the United
Nations, the passage of the National Voter Registration Act, and
regularly stands up for what is fair and just. The organization
supports efforts addressing climate change, counteracting gun violence
in our communities, establishing humane immigration policies, and
ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable health care,
among other important issues.
In 1973 the League modified its charter and allowed men into its
ranks. Today, men and women alike make up its over 500,000 members and
supporters at over 700 state and local leagues. The organization is
represented in all 50 states as well as Washington, DC, the Virgin
Islands, and Hong Kong.
On behalf of the residents of the 9th Congressional District of
Illinois, I wish a happy 100th birthday to the League of Women Voters.
We are grateful for their service to the nation, and I hope the League
will continue its efforts for the next century and beyond as they work
to educate and promote civic participation.