Sean Patrick Maloney: “I rise in strong to support of H.R. 406, which awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Alice Paul. Every American woman is…”

“I rise in strong to support of H.R. 406, which awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Alice Paul. Every American woman is indebted to Alice Paul for her lifelong dedication to women's suffrage. I am living proof of the advancements she has made for women. I am personally gratified that Congress is recognizing Alice Paul's contribution to American history. Alice Paul was the first cousin to my husband's grandmother. In fact, I named my oldest daughter after her. Alice Paul passionately devoted her entire life to the advancement of women's rights. She was an extraordinary leader, ingenious fundraiser, and a brilliant politician. Wholeheartedly focused on suffrage, she lived in a cold room so she would not be tempted to sit up late and read novels. Alice Paul truly revolutionized the suffragist movement. In 1913, Alice Paul and fellow suffragist Lucy Burns organized an impressive suffrage parade on the day before Woodrow Wilson's inauguration. In 1916, Paul founded the National Women's Party with the guiding philosophy of 'holding the party in power responsible.' Paul adamantly believed that women should never expect to be given the vote, but that they must take it through their own accord. Under Paul's leadership, the National Women's Party was the first political organization in the United States to peacefully picket the White House.”