Hoyer Statement on Women's History Month

Statement

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today marking the beginning of Women's History Month:

"Today, we mark the beginning of Women's History Month, which we celebrate throughout the month of March. We remember and honor the courage and resolve of the women who worked tirelessly to secure the right to vote and ratify the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution just over a century ago. We also pay tribute to the women who have shaped the story of America throughout its history and those who continue to lead the fight for equality, justice, and opportunity today.

"On Saturday, I had the distinct honor of welcoming our nation's first-ever 'Madam Vice President' to the annual Black History Month breakfast for Maryland's Fourth and Fifth Congressional Districts. The election of Vice President Kamala Harris a century after the Nineteenth Amendment's adoption was the triumphant shattering of another glass ceiling. I have no doubt that it will not be long before America entrusts one of its daughters with the highest office in our land. I am proud to partner with the first 'Madam Speaker' in the history of the House, and I am awed by the talents, intellect, and courage I see displayed every day in Congress by the ninety-one extraordinary women whom I am proud to call my colleagues in the Democratic Caucus.

"This year, we observe Women's History Month as our nation continues to confront a deadly pandemic and the economic crisis it precipitated. It is important to recognize not only the countless acts of heroism and sacrifice made by women working on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 but also the terrible reality that women have borne a disproportional brunt of its economic impact. Women have lost more than 12 million jobs since the pandemic began, and the burden of childcare too often has been placed on working mothers, causing many to step back from their careers when schools and childcare facilities closed. That's why the House passed legislation last year to help childcare providers reopen safely and to assist parents in affording the cost of childcare through additional tax credits. Last week, we passed the Biden Administration's American Rescue Plan, which aims to accelerate the pace of schools reopening safely and includes additional direct payments to families with children and expanded child tax credits. House Democrats are working hard to bring this pandemic to an end and help millions of American women get back to their careers and pursue opportunities to get ahead.

"Throughout our history, women have been at the forefront of making America stronger, making it safer, and making it more reflective of our Founders' vision. This year, as we strive to build back better from our present challenges, once again our nation looks to women to lead. I join in thanking both those who have been working hard on the front lines and persevering at home as we continue our great national effort to reopen, recover, and rebuild."

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