Jim Costa: “Every March, we honor the extraordinary contributions of women who have shaped our Nation's history and those who…”

“Every March, we honor the extraordinary contributions of women who have shaped our Nation's history and those who continue to pave the way for the next generation. This year also marks the 100th year since the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote. Think about it, just in the last 100 years. Our Nation is now going on 245 years old. A century later, the women who have done so much for our country throughout our Nation's entire history continue to make a difference. I am proud, today, to say that I serve with a record number of women in Congress as we continue to fight for issues that are so important: equal pay, reproductive freedom, and so much more. Mr. Speaker, as we use this opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who have changed the world in your life and in my life, I would like to pay tribute to an iconic woman, an artist in my home of Fresno, California, Margaret Hudson. Ms. Hudson passed away last month, but her legacy lives on in her clay sculptures of California wildlife that can be seen on display throughout the valley. It is incredible work. From a young age, Margaret loved to spend time outdoors hiking in such places as Sequoia National Park. Her appreciation for the beautiful landscape of the Central Valley would later influence so much of her artwork that we enjoy today. She attended college in New England and served as a missionary in Japan and South Korea for several years.…”