Celebrating Women's History Month

Celebrating Women's History Month

I have been blessed to spend my life around strong women – my mother, my sisters, my wife and my daughter, among them – which is why it is important for me to join millions of others in celebrating Women’s History Month. Women have made great strides, but there are still those threatening to dismantle all their hard fought benefits and rights.

Since the first commemoration in 1987, the month of March has been set aside to recognize women who have contributed to and sacrificed for our nation. Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross; American Poet Maya Angelou, and young Malala Yousafzai, who fought for her right to an education, despite a bullet piercing her skull, are just a few of the women we celebrate.

Despite the progress that has been made, American women on average still earn only 79 cents for every dollar earned by men. Sadly, the United States continues to be the only developed country that does not ensure paid sick days or paid maternity leave.

I also want to recognize and thank the 2 million women veterans who have served our country. There is no match for your bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. This week First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden attended an annual reception in the Capitol’s National Statuary Hall, hosted by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, honoring women veterans. Mrs. Obama said during her remarks, “All of you learned how to build a team and lead others under pressure, and complete any mission in front of you no matter what it takes. If we all keep joining forces, then I am confident that we can serve our men and women in uniform, and our veterans, as well as they have served this country.” I will continue to fight for investments in and access to health care, education, and economic opportunities for all veterans.

Additionally, I will continue to work hard on issues important to women and critical to a well-functioning nation. I voted against the 63rd attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the failed override of the President’s veto of the Republican Reconciliation Bill. This repeal would have defunded Planned Parenthood, ending access for many to significant key preventative health services including life-saving cancer screenings, well-women exams, birth control and advice on family planning. We learned yesterday that more than 20 million Americans have gained health insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act.

Make no mistake: we cannot allow the same old toxic attacks on women’s access to health care and on working families to continue. I encourage you to join together this month to make America better for our daughters and granddaughters, so they may enjoy the equal treatment and equal opportunities that they so richly deserve.

Warmly,