Political Quotes

“In honor of Women's History Month, I rise to honor the trailblazing women of the Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators Unit. During World War I, General Pershing found the Army's communications network in disarray. He urged the War Department to employ Americans experienced in switchboard operation. There were 233 women who enthusiastically honored the call to service and deployed to war-torn France. This included Elizabeth M. Shovar, born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. She spoke fluent French. These Hello Girls worked tirelessly to direct calls coordinating troop movements and artillery fire. As the first women to actively support combat operations on a regular basis, these soldiers paved the way for female servicemembers. They also helped win women the right to vote. Despite their honorable service, it took six decades before they were formally recognized as veterans and given their hard-earned benefits. Today, I am proud to honor their legacy by cosponsoring H. Res. 1572 to award a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of these patriotic, brave women, the Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators Unit. God bless them. ____________________”