Political Quotes

“I come to the floor today, on June 4, to take a look back at a very historic vote by the U.S. Senate. This vote changed the course of political history in America. It strengthened the social fabric and constitutional framework of our Republic. One hundred years ago today, lawmakers in this body cast a vote for liberty and equality under the law. The Senate approved Federal suffrage legislation. At the time it was passed, it was known as the Susan B. Anthony amendment. Today it is better known as the 19th Amendment to our U.S. Constitution. Section 1 of the 19th Amendment reads: ``The right of the citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.'' By adopting the measure, the 66th U.S. Congress paved the way for women's suffrage from sea to shining sea. At the time, more than a dozen States and Territories allowed full suffrage, led by the Western States of Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. In 1919 both Chambers of Congress were led by Republican majorities. The House of Representatives adopted this constitutional amendment 304 to 89 on May 21. Two weeks later the Republican Senate voted 56 to 25 in favor of women suffrage. That was two votes more than the necessary two-thirds vote required under our Constitution. Both U.S. Senators from my State of Iowa voted for passage.…”