Hoyer Statement on Women's Equality Day

Statement

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in recognition of Women's Equality Day:

"I join the chorus of voices celebrating Women's Equality Day, marking the 101st anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment to our Constitution, affording women the right to vote. This triumph is due to the bravery and fortitude of suffragettes who worked to make this long-overdue amendment a reality. Now, more than a century later, I am proud to serve in Congress with a record number of women, where we are working together to advance women's rights and equality.

"From the first days of the 117th Congress, House Democrats have been united in taking action to build our economy back better in a way that will address the economic inequalities that women face. We've passed the Paycheck Fairness Act to ensure equal pay for equal work, and we've enacted the American Rescue Plan, which cut taxes for millions of families through the expanded Biden Child Tax Credit. We are currently working to craft the Build Back Better Act, which will create economic opportunity for women through important priorities such as paid leave, universal pre-K, and affordable child care.

"In addition to our work to Build Back Better, House Democrats passed a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. On Tuesday, the Democratic-led House passed the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to combat voter suppression efforts and ensure access to the ballot box for all Americans -- a right that suffragettes succeeded in extending to women 101 years ago today. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up these essential priorities to advance the cause of women's equity.

"As we commemorate the 19th Amendment and hard-fought rights for women, our work continues to ensure every woman in America has access to equal opportunity."

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