Press Releases
Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami
202-226-7616
03/02/2009
Pelosi Statement on Women’s History Month
Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today in recognition of Women’s History Month:
“Every March, we take time to honor the many women whose courage and vision have helped build and sustain our nation. We honor those who fought for progress; we acknowledge those who lead the charge today; and we recommit ourselves to expanding opportunities for all.
“Women want what men want: an equal opportunity to succeed, a safe and prosperous America, good paying jobs, better access to affordable health care, and the best possible education for our children. Women want the freedom to make the most of our lives and our own choices, so we too can shape the future of our nation. And we must remember that, in these difficult economic times for our nation, women are facing great challenges supporting themselves and their families.
“With those values in mind, already the 111th Congress has passed serious legislation that recognizes that the economic security of women is central to the economic security of all Americans. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act restores the ability of women and all workers to access our judicial system to vindicate their rights when they have been harmed by discrimination. When President Obama signed this into law, he made clear that equal pay for equal work is a fundamental American value. To strengthen the economic security of our families, last month Congress passed and the President signed an economic recovery bill that will create or save 3.6 million jobs. I salute President Obama for his swift actions to help provide access to basic health care and family planning services, which can save the lives of the poorest women around the world.
“Congress will continue to work to put women and children first. That includes investments in early childhood education, ensuring military families have the benefits they have earned and deserved, and strengthening the equal pay act. And as we do, we will take forward the lesson of Women’s History Month: that by knowing their power, women can, and do, change the course of history for all Americans.”