Statement of
U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek in Honor of Women's History Month

 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) released the following statement in honor of Women's History Month:

"Since its inception in 1987, we have celebrated Women's History Month, which increases consciousness and knowledge of women's history by honoring the contributions of women. This year recognizes Women's History Month as "Women Taking the lead to Save Our Planet." During Women's History Month and throughout the year, we should remember all of the women who have made contributions to ensure future inhabitants of Earth have a place to call home.

"As we continue to honor Women's History Month, we recognize  women of influence such as Shirley Gibson, the Mayor of Miami Gardens, the third largest city in Miami-Dade County; Barbara Jordan and Audrey Edmonson, Miami-Dade County Commissioners for Districts One and Three, respectively; Carol Moseley-Braun of Illinois, the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate; Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, who in 2007 became the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives; and my mother, retired Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek, the first African-American woman from Florida to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives since Reconstruction.

"The 111th Congress has worked diligently in passing legislation to ensure that the rights and economic security of women are preserved. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act restores the ability of women and all workers to access our judicial system to vindicate their rights when they have been harmed by discrimination. President Barack Obama's desire and willingness to pass the Lilly LedbetterFair Pay Act demonstrates his swift commitment to guaranteeing women's equality in our nation, while passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will strengthen the economic security of our families creating or saving 3.6 million jobs. 

"Amidst our economic woes, it is vital to recognize the tremendous contributions by women, not only in the United States, but throughout the world. As we move forward, our great nation will continue to strive for women's equality through the strengthening of our public education system and further enhancement of the equal pay act. Let us emulate the efforts, vitality and fortitude of women throughout the globe who have altered the path of world history."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17^th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and also sits on the House Armed Services Committee.

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