Max Baucus: “we mark March as Women's History Month, as a time of year for us to remember the valiant female leaders of our great…”

“we mark March as Women's History Month, as a time of year for us to remember the valiant female leaders of our great Nation. One of them is very special to Montana. In 1916 Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to the United States Congress, 4 years before women were granted the right to vote. As a member of the House of Representatives, her daring and vocal stance on controversial issues such as war and peace brought critical recognition from the press. In every situation, the strength of her values persisted, even under the pressures of unanimous opposition to a war with Germany. Jeannette Rankin said, ``I may be the first woman Member of Congress, but I won't be the last,'' and helped to pave the way for future generations of women leaders. This past Saturday, March 17, 2012, marked a monumental day in American history. The Senator from Maryland, Ms. Barbara Mikulski, celebrated her 35 year in the United States Congress. That important accomplishment is a milestone for American culture and female leaders in Congress. Senator Mikulski is now the longest serving female in the Senate and in the history of the U.S. Congress. She spent her first 10 years in the House of Representatives, followed by the next 25 years here in the Senate. She has worked every day to make America a better place for the next generation.…”