News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators marked Women’s History Month with the introduction of the “Women’s Suffrage National Monument Location Act,” bipartisan legislation that authorizes the congressionally chartered Women’s Suffrage National Monument to be placed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The bicameral companion bill in the House of Representatives, H.R. 1318, was introduced earlier this month on March 1, 2023. 

The passage of this historic legislation is a critical step towards upholding and preserving the integrity of the National Mall and our National Park system. Of the 423 National Parks managed by the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service, only 10 commemorate some aspect of American women’s history. On the National Mall–the most visited National Park in the United States with 36 million annual visitors–there are no monuments or memorials dedicated to American women's history. Amongst our most iconic monuments and memorials, American women’s stories are missing. But with the bipartisan and unwavering support of Congressional leadership, we will strengthen the integrity of the National Mall by finally including women’s history in the beating heart of our Nation’s Capital. 

“We are grateful to Senator Baldwin, Senator Blackburn, and all our supporters in Congress for their commitment to bring a deeper and more complete American history to the National Mall. Women’s fight for the vote is the story of a great American movement for change that led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment and moved our Nation ever closer to a more perfect union. It is a story–written by women–about democracy at work and the power and courage of the American spirit. This monument will highlight this critical chapter of American history, broadening and deepening our understanding of the ideals of equality, freedom, and justice so central to the founding of the republic. With the passage of this historic legislation, the great women leaders of American history will finally take their place in the monumental core of our nation's most important commemorative space, the National Mall,” said Anna Laymon, Executive Director of the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation. 

Added Senator Baldwin, “Over a hundred years ago, our country finally welcomed women to participate in our democracy and extended to them the fundamental right to vote. This milestone was only made possible through a decades-long fight led by women of all backgrounds – including those of color who were still denied the right to vote after the 19th Amendment was ratified – by joining together with the steadfast belief that our country must live up to its ideal of one person, one vote. I am proud to introduce this legislation with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to honor the suffragists and all those who fought for women’s right to vote with a monument in its rightful place, the National Mall. The National Mall is home to memorials for those who fought for our freedom, Presidents who defined our country, and the seat of our government, and it is only fitting that it also houses the Women's Suffrage National Monument. Wisconsin has played a crucial role in the fight for women’s rights and I am proud to continue this long and proud tradition.”

“Tennessee has played a critical role in the women’s suffrage fight since we became the 36th and final state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment – granting women the right to vote,” said Senator Blackburn. “As the Volunteer State’s first female United States Senator, I’m pleased to join Senator Baldwin in this bipartisan effort to honor the women, like Susan B. Anthony, who pioneered the way for future generations. It’s time these giants in American history receive recognition on the National Mall.”

“There is something wonderfully American about the way my former colleagues in the Senate are uniting across the aisle to bring women’s history to the National Mall for the first time," said Senator Barbara Mikulski, the longest serving woman in congressional history and an official Ambassador of the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation. “Without a monument to the great women of American history who paved the way for us to fully participate in and shape our democracy, the telling of the American story on our National Mall is not yet complete. It will be a proud day for our country when every girl who visits the National Mall is able to see herself represented amongst the giants of our national story and understand the role her foremothers had in building, securing, and expanding our democracy.”

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation was authorized by Congress in Public Law 116-217 to lead the effort to fund, design, develop, and construct the Women's Suffrage National Monument, which will serve as a lasting legacy of the longest political movement in American history and honor the generations of women who lobbied, marched, picketed, and protested in their decades-long fight for equality. For more information visit www.womensmonument.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

SUPPORT
The Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation is driven by the generous financial support of our donors. Like most monuments and memorials, the Women's Suffrage National Monument will be funded in its entirety through private donations, and we need your support to tell the stories of generations of women who waged and won the battle for the ballot. Simply put, we can't do this without you. Learn more about our movement, donate, and be a part of history.

***
Media Contact: media@womensmonument.org