Sean Patrick Maloney: “tonight we will honor the 20th anniversary of the Women's Caucus. President Clinton will join us as we celebrate the…”

“tonight we will honor the 20th anniversary of the Women's Caucus. President Clinton will join us as we celebrate the past, present, and future of the Women's Caucus. Women have always faced extra hurdles as they served in Congress. Recognizing these extra challenges, Elizabeth Holtzman, from my home State of New York, along with Peggy Heckler of Massachusetts, organized 13 Members to join them in forming the Women's Caucus in 1977. We have certainly expanded our numbers. The caucus is 53 members strong this year, but we still face many obstacles. I would like to submit this copy of achievements of the Women's Caucus during its 20 years for the Record, and just note some of the achievements for the Record. In 1978, the caucus was instrumental in the passage of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, guaranteeing employment rights to pregnant workers. In 1979, Congress, at the pushing by the Women's Caucus, created the Office of Civil Rights at the Education Department to enforce the title IX ban against sex discrimination in education. In 1984, the caucus' Economic Equity Act was the driving force behind enactment of important legislation in retirement equity and child support enforcement legislation. That year, also, a caucus member, Geraldine Ferraro, from my home State of New York, was nominated for Vice President of the United States, the first time a woman ran for that office on a major party ticket.”