Today, Co-Chairs of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-21), Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14), Jackie Speier (CA-14), and Vice Chairs Representatives Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Deb Haaland released the following statement to commemorate the 101^st anniversary of the House adoption of the 19th Amendment:
 
“One hundred and one years ago today, the U.S. House of Representatives took a momentous step forward and passed the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing  some women the right to vote. That hard and long fought victory was secured after organizing their fight for the right to vote during the first Women’s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, New York in 1848. For the next 72 years, women continued to push for equality with protests, marches, and demands that their voices and views be heard and respected. They suffered insults, assaults, jeers and degradation, but on August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment was officially signed into law. The culmination of decades of tireless activism by pioneers of the women’s suffrage movement is celebrated today to honor their courage and sacrifice and to remind us we are not done. Women have had to fight for each and every right we’ve secured, they have never been given or bestowed graciously, historically. The same remains true today as we continue the fight for issues like pay equity, access to health care, and the ability to live free of violence. We must never forget that monumental success could not have been achieved without the trailblazing suffragists--including countless women of color--who gave voice to grave injustices despite great personal risk and suffering and brought our nation closer to that most American ideal that ‘all men and women are created equal’.”

“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, that fight must also include fair access to the ballot box and the defeat of dangerous voter suppression efforts that disproportionately impact communities of color. As we move closer to celebrating the suffrage centennial, we once again call on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to end his obstruction and take up legislation that promotes public safety and ensures equal access to the ballot box. We urge him to affirm what it means to be equal as an American.”