Political Quotes

“I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5332, the Women, Peace, and Security Act. First, I thank my partner in this effort, Congresswoman Kristi Noem, for all of her work in making this day come, as well as to thank Chairman Royce, who not only spoke so eloquently about the importance of this legislation, but who helped to make it happen today. I thank Ranking Member Engel for his leadership in moving this legislation forward. I am so appreciative. This is a bipartisan, budget-neutral bill to encourage the participation of women in creating peace. As Congressman Royce said, when women are involved in the peace process, negotiations are more likely to end in lasting agreements. He is right in that the International Peace Institute found that a peace agreement is 35 percent more likely to last for at least 15 years if women participate in drafting the agreement. The study also found that, with a 5 percent increase in women's political participation, a nation is five times less likely to use violence when faced with international crisis or conflict. Promoting the participation of women abroad is in our country's strategic interest as it increases stability and economic prosperity. However, women remain underrepresented in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and post-conflict peace-building efforts around the world. The Women, Peace, and Security Act is a step toward fixing that imbalance and promoting a more peaceful future.…”