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Congressman Garamendi Celebrates 90th Anniversary of 19th Amendment, Women’s Voting Rights

August 26, 2010

LIVERMORE, CA – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek, CA) today issued the following statement on the 90th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed voting rights for women:

"On the 90th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, I join my fellow Americans in celebrating Women’s Equality Day. The struggle to guarantee all women the right to participate in our democracy is an inspiration to every American.

"The founding documents of our great country enshrined the American value that a healthy democracy can thrive when voting citizens take a stake in their country. The U.S. Constitution began as a revolutionary foundation for the greatest nation in the world, but it was also forged with the understanding that more would be needed for America to reach its full potential. We are the descendents of generations of American heroes, like the suffragettes, who shed blood, sweat, and tears to form a more perfect union.

"As the father of five daughters, I want to live in a society where women can pursue their dreams. Access to the ballot box is not in itself sufficient to tear down millennia of societal barriers to equality, but it is a critical step. We are a more resilient and more democratic nation today, because 90 years ago, America became more American through the passage of the 19th Amendment."