Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commemorative Coin Act

Mr. President, I rise in support of S. 1235, the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. It was introduced by Senator Gillibrand and me.

It was 150 years ago this month that the National Woman Suffrage Association was founded by Susan B. Anthony and a group of very brave suffrage activists who fought for all American women to have the right to vote. This bipartisan measure honors the centennial and the legacy of the suffrage activists with a commemorative coin to be minted by the U.S. Treasury.

As we approach the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment next year--also called the ``Susan B. Anthony Amendment''-- Americans are rediscovering the history of women's suffrage and the movement and the stories of the women who led it to victory. These stories are a vast part of our Nation's history, but they are not often discussed, which is something that we are seeking to change. It would be a tragedy if the stories of these trailblazers were forgotten by future generations. It is our hope that by passing this important measure--and it is bipartisan--we will help to keep their memories alive.

We often take women's right to vote for granted, as if it were something that was an inevitable outcome in our history. In truth, winning the vote for women was anything but inevitable. It required 72 years--think about that, 72 years--of ceaseless agitation by generations of dedicated, fearless suffragists who fought against centuries of law and millennia of tradition.

I quote Susan B. Anthony: ``I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand.''

The women's suffrage movement began in July of 1848 with the first women's rights convention that was held in Seneca Falls, NY, which is Senator Gillibrand's home State. That fight concluded in August of 1920 in Nashville, TN, which is my home State.

Tennessee was the 36th and final State needed to ratify the 19th Amendment. So we did. In true Tennessee style on that hot August day in downtown Nashville, a 24-year-old freshman State representative named Harry Burn, from McMinn County, TN, changed his vote from no to yes, ensuring the amendment's adoption. Why did he change that vote, you may ask. Because his mother--Miss Febb, as she was known--wrote him a letter that reminded him to be a good boy and to vote for the amendment.

As we get ready to celebrate Mother's Day this month, the story of Harry Burn and Miss Febb is a great reminder of how important it is for each and every one of us to heed our mothers' advice. Mothers are always right.

Consider how remarkable it is that the 19th Amendment was not ratified until 132 years after the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788--132 years. The 19th Amendment marked the single largest extension of voting rights in American history. Many of the women who led the movement did not live to see their mission accomplished, and many of the women who cast their first votes were not born when that movement began. As the first female Senator from Tennessee, I feel it is my duty to honor the life and the legacy of those brave suffragists.

I am so pleased to have worked with Senator Gillibrand on this truly bipartisan celebration of a milestone in our Nation's history. It is cause for further celebration that we are able to introduce this legislation in a Chamber where, for the first time in U.S. history, one-fourth of its Members are female. I am also delighted to report that our legislation has the support of all 25 female Senators.

As we approach the centennial, it is our hope that this commemoration will increase public awareness and appreciation for the history of the women's suffrage movement. Honoring women who exemplify patriotism is an excellent example of what Washington can achieve when both sides come together and remember the maxim that there is more that unites us than divides us.

Madam President, as in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs be discharged from further consideration of S. 1235 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Barrasso amendment at the desk be considered and agreed to; the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.