Today, Co-Chairs of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Representatives Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14), Lois Frankel (FL-21), Jackie Speier (CA-14), and Vice Chairs Representatives Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Deb Haaland (NM-01) released the following statement to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment:

“Today marks the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, fulfilling the promise that ‘the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.’ The culmination of decades of tireless activism by pioneers of the women’s suffrage movement, inspired by their Native American sisters, is celebrated today to honor their courage and to remind us that we are not done.”

“Women have had to fight for each and every right we’ve secured, which have never been given or bestowed graciously. 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 and queer women -- 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 coronavirus pandemic and systemic racism, 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 celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, let us honor the legacy of the suffragists by exercising and protecting the sacred right to vote that they fought so hard to secure.”