Pelosi Statement on Women’s Equality Day

San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement marking Women's Equality Day, commemorating the 102nd anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment:

"Today, the American people mark the 102nd anniversary of the 19th Amendment: a hard-won victory secured by generations of women bravely fighting to build a more perfect union. In winning the right to vote more than a century ago, trailblazing suffragists tore down a seemingly immovable barrier to women's full and equal citizenship in our Democracy. Too often unsung in the American story, courageous women of color continued advancing that struggle for decades after – moving us ever closer to realizing our founding promise of liberty and justice for all. Today, American women proudly carry on the spirit of those heroes who came before us: marching in the streets, organizing in our communities and legislating in the halls of power.

"As Americans celebrate this triumph in our history, women's most basic rights and dignities remain under assault. In the wake of the Supreme Court's heart-wrenching Dobbs decision, Extreme MAGA Republicans have waged a dark crusade of punishment and control – seeking to impose a national abortion ban criminalizing women's health freedom in all 50 states. Unwavering in our commitment to reproductive justice, the Democratic House has passed landmark legislation to enshrine the protections of Roe v. Wade into law, establish a federal right to use birth control and reaffirm Americans' right to access health care across state lines. And today, House Democrats are mobilizing for a Day of Action across the nation: a growing drumbeat of fierce opposition to these right-wing attacks.

"While Republicans seek to turn back the clock for women, House Democrats will never relent in our fight to put People Over Politics. We are committed to defending women's rights, freedoms and rightful place at the decision-making table – from combating pay discrimination and advancing historic child care investments to preserving the promise of universal suffrage through our John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Because we know this truth: when women succeed, America succeeds."