Andrea Seastrand: “it is a wonderful privilege to stand here to commemorate Women's History Month. I stand before you tonight to share my…”

“it is a wonderful privilege to stand here to commemorate Women's History Month. I stand before you tonight to share my belief that the 104th Congress has done so much to further the cause of women, women and their rights, which is so important not only to me but to my mother and to my daughter Heidi. I speak of women's rights in the broadest sense. I believe that the interests of women are inseparable from those of the rest of our Nation. Women, men, children all have a stake in the strength and prosperity of America. What is good for our country is good for all of us. We in this Congress have taken great strides towards balancing the Federal budget, restraining an intrusive government, and limiting military interventionism. These are noble goals. Though yet to be fully attained, they are within the reach of this Congress and will benefit men and women alike. The continuing struggle to balance the budget through the judicious restraint of Federal spending is fraught with implications for women's rights. Successfully balancing the budget will provide the following benefits for women and all Americans: It is going to create 6.1 million new job opportunities in the early part of the 21st century. The best way to promote opportunities for women is to create an economy which can accommodate all those who wish to work. A balanced budget would also bring a 2 percent decline in interest rates.”