Pelosi Statement on Women’s Equality Day

Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement marking Women's Equality Day, commemorating the 98th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment:

"Ninety-eight years ago, American women fought for and won their right to have a full voice in our democracy when the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote, was finally recognized. Since that historic accomplishment, the increased leadership of women in our democracy has been instrumental in moving our nation forward.

"Yet, today, access to the ballot box is under dire threat from Republicans in Washington and state capitals across the country. The GOP's mass disenfranchisement agenda is creating pernicious new barriers to the ballot box and undermining every American's right to have their voices heard, disproportionately impacting communities of color and working families. Republicans must end these cruel attacks on the sacred right to vote and immediately bring up for a vote on the Floor the Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore full protections for voters in states with a recent history of discrimination, and the Voter Empowerment Act to expand access to the ballot box and ensure that every vote is counted as cast.

"As we mark Women's Equality Day, we must rededicate ourselves to the suffragists' noble cause and ensure that every woman and every American are full participants in our democracy. We must continue to stand strong against President Trump's nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, which undermines our Founders' promise of liberty and justice for all and poses a grave threat to every woman's right to make her own decisions about her body, family and health care. Democrats are committed to fighting For The People to drive progress that empowers all American voters as we work together to lower costs, raise wages and ensure that Washington once again works for everyone."

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