On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos commemorated the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote in America. Illinois was one of the first States to ratify the 19th Amendment, having done so on June 10, 1919. By August 18, 1920, 36 States had ratified the 19th Amendment to make it the law of the land.
Congresswoman Bustos highlighted the contributions of American heroes like Ida B. Wells and Susan B. Anthony, and looking forward toward the work still needed to increase access to the ballot box. Her speech follows.
Today we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.
We honor all of the suffragettes who came before us and set out to create a more equal and just America. They first gathered to fight for women’s rights at historic sites like Seneca Falls[, NY].
I’m proud to say that Illinois was one of the very first States to ratify the 19th Amendment.
To carry on the tradition of the suffragettes, my fellow Democratic Women in the U. S. House of Representatives and I all wore white to the State of the Union Address earlier this year.
It brings me great pride to serve with more than 100 women in Congress. The opportunity to work alongside them every day is an honor. The women who came before us were trailblazers in so many ways: women like Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Frances E.W. Harper.
And now, it’s up to us to carry the fight forward. Today, many Americans still face barriers to casting their ballots. And our communities of color are disproportionately impacted. We cannot stop until we break down every barrier to the ballot box, to ensure every American’s voice is heard.
Today, I recommit myself to that fight and hope you’ll join me.