Hastings' Statement on the 95th Anniversary of the Adoption of the 19th Amendment

Statement

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement marking the 95th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment, which extended voting rights to women:

"As we celebrate the 95th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed that no person in the United States be denied the right to vote on account of sex, we must also use this occasion to recognize the fact that much work still remains.

"While women now constitute nearly half of the workforce and serve in high positions in both government and private industry, they are still paid on average only 78 cents for every dollar paid to men. Not only is this wage gap unacceptable, it hurts women and American families nationwide.

"The work of America's suffragettes took courage, vision and dedication. I remain steadfast in my commitment to do all that I can to expand economic opportunity and security for women and their families -- by working to ensure equal pay for equal work, providing paid sick days, encouraging paid family leave, and expanding affordable child care.

"In commemoration of Women's Equality Day, lets us rededicate ourselves to America's suffragettes and their supporters, knowing that when women succeed, America succeeds."

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