Democratic Women's Caucus Leadership, Bipartisan Women's Caucus Leadership, Congressman Krishnamoorthi, Senators Klobuchar, Murkowski, Collins, and Sinema Introduce Legislation to Honor Justices Ginsburg and O'Connor with Statues in the Capitol

Press Release

Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC) Co-Chairs Congresswomen Lois Frankel (FL-21), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), and Jackie Speier (CA-14), and Vice Chairs Congresswomen Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Bipartisan Women's Caucus (BWC) Co-Chairs Congresswomen Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and Jenniffer González-Colón (PR), and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), along with Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Krysten Sinema (D-AZ), introduced legislation to place statues of Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O'Connor in the Capitol in honor of their service and dedication to our country.

"Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O'Connor broke the ultimate glass ceiling in the legal profession by taking their seats on the U.S. Supreme Court," said DWC Leadership. "Both thoughtful jurists, each defended women's rights in their own way and changed the how the law views gender, discrediting ancient notions about woman's roles in society. Honoring their legacy by establishing statues on Capitol Grounds in their name will serve as inspiration to women and girls everywhere, and as a reminder to all, that women shall be treated equally, both in society and in the eyes of the law."

"Our nation's first and second woman supreme court justices are long overdue to be honored on our Capitol Grounds -- they never stopped in the pursuit of justice and made historic breakthroughs, not just for women, but for the entire country," said BWC Leadership. "Their presence in our Capitol is a reminder that a woman's place is everywhere, something a Republican President saw in 1981 and a Democrat President saw in 1993 -- and we owe both Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg a huge debt of gratitude and look forward to honoring them in our nation's Capitol."

"I'm proud to stand as an ally of the feminist movement through this legislation to establish monuments on the Capitol Grounds in honor of Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg," said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. "Both of these women graced our Supreme Court bench with intelligence, strength and a commitment to the rule of law. They deserve to be recognized for the continued impact they have on the legal profession and the trail they blazed for each and every woman who has been inspired by them."

"Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O'Connor were trailblazers long before reaching the Supreme Court, opening doors for women at a time when so many insisted on keeping them shut," said Senator Klobuchar. "The Capitol is our most recognizable symbol of Democracy, a place where people from across our country have their voices represented and heard. It is only fitting that we honor their remarkable lives and service to our country by establishing statues in the Capitol."

"This legislation honors two women who have had a tremendous impact on our nation. Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg in their own right each made a mark on American history," said Senator Murkowski. "I am proud to ensure that their legacies live on by establishing monuments of these two matriarchs in our United States Capitol. From Justice O'Connor's being the first female justice on the Supreme Court to Justice Ginsburg's efforts on equal citizenship rights--their leadership has made a difference for women and families for generations to come. I am proud to support this bipartisan bill with Senator Klobuchar as we honor the service of these two justices and give thanks to two women who transformed the legal profession."

"Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg will always be known as dedicated public servants, fierce champions for equality, and accomplished Americans who broke countless barriers in the field of law," said Senator Collins."Statues in the nation's capital honoring the first two women to serve on the highest court in the land will serve as fitting tributes to their invaluable contributions to our country."

"Justice O'Connor and Justice Ginsburg paved the way for so many women in law and life," said Senator Sinema. "By permanently placing their statues in the U.S. Capitol, we're honoring their legacy and reminding women they can achieve their dreams with grit and determination."

In honor of Justice Ginsburg and O'Connor's trailblazing legacy, the legislation also requires the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to consider selecting an artist from underrepresented demographic groups to create the statues.