Jackie Speier: “I thank the gentlewoman for giving me this opportunity to speak on this very important bill. Rosie the Riveters who are…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for giving me this opportunity to speak on this very important bill. Rosie the Riveters who are left in this country deserve a Congressional Gold Medal. In one of the most challenging periods of our American history, women stepped up to serve this country. Six million women entered the workforce for the first time during World War II, offering to build weapons, vehicles, and ammunition that helped us win the war. The critical contributions of Rosie the Riveters changed the course of world history and blazed a trail for today's working women. The Rosies proved that they could work and succeed in jobs and industries that had long been male-dominated. African American women challenged stereotypes and policies of discrimination to contribute to the war effort. Because of the Rosies, the U.S. Government worked with businesses to develop support for working moms, like childcare programs. The famous image of Rosie the Riveter, sleeves rolled up, muscles flexed, and a bandanna in place, has inspired generations of women and girls to embody the strength, patriotism, and ``We Can Do It'' spirit that radiates from the poster. But even the iconic image can't do justice to the real-life Rosies who took on the mantle of the war effort at home, defied expectations, eradicated barriers to women's participation in the workforce, and made victory possible.…”