Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the women of Montana to advocate for renaming the Women and Minorities in STEM Fields Grant Program to honor former Montana Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin. Yes, I do hold her seat and, yes, she held the first seat in Montana before women could vote. I would like to also say that she was a true Montanan. She embodied the pioneer spirit that we know and love. She led the way in so many different areas to include: She was one of the first to graduate from the University of Montana with a degree in biology. She voted against both wars because she could not fight. Her spirit blazoned the trails and gave us leadership. She was also a gifted scientific mind and an early pioneer. The grant program is an important tool for young women today to continue their education in STEM and possibly break new ground, like Jeannette Rankin, and blaze new trails for young women of tomorrow, today, and our future. I would like to add that my own staffer, Ms. Jocelyn Galt, is a relative of Jeannette Rankin. She, too, demonstrates the tenacity and determination that made Jeannette Rankin successful and feared among her peers. Renaming this program in Representative Rankin's honor is the right thing to do because it a reminder of those who had courage to break down the barriers, had the tenacity to not let go of their dreams, and the courage to be a mentor and an inspiration to us all. I am happy to partner with Representative Grace Meng on this important endeavor.…”