FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 01, 2005

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi Celebrates Women's History Month

Washington, D.C.– House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on Women's History Month.  For more information, please visit Pelosi’s Women’s History Month Web site at http://democraticleader.house.gov/whm:

"In March, we celebrate Women's History Month.  We remember those who have contributed to our progress and honor those who continue to strengthen our communities.

"Women want what all Americans want: an equal opportunity to succeed, a safe and prosperous America, a secure retirement, good-paying jobs, better access to health care, and the best education for our children.  Women represent more than half the population and are among the most knowledgeable and significant thinkers in every field, from science to education to health care to national security. 

"In terms of policies to assist women in their struggle to lead or achieve financial security, however, we are lagging behind.  More than 3 million women in America are looking for work, 20 million do not have health insurance, and women are still paid only 75 cents to a man's dollar.  Yet the Republican agenda ignores the real challenges that women face.   From slashing funding for health care and community development programs to eliminating education initiatives, the Bush Administration's budget is an assault on the values and policies that are critical to American women.

"Women must and will be equal partners in determining the future, but we cannot do that unless we make our voices heard.  We must continue to support policies in Congress that promote equality such as the FAIRNESS Act, which protects workers from discrimination on the basis of race, age, disability, or gender, and we must fight for legislation that demands equal pay for equal work and increases the minimum wage.

"In January, we mourned the loss of Shirley Chisholm, a true American heroine. The first African American woman elected to Congress, Shirley Chisholm fought for equality and opened wide the doors of opportunity for those who followed her.  As she said, 'Our country needs women's idealism and determination, perhaps more in politics than anywhere else.' 

"As we celebrate the achievements of women such as Shirley Chisholm throughout history, we rededicate ourselves to making progress of our own."

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi