From Suffrage to Today, Republicans Continue Fighting for Women

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was officially ratified, ensuring that the right to vote could not be denied on the basis of sex, marking a historic victory for women across America.

Republicans played a leading role in securing this constitutional right. Republican Representative James Mann (IL-02) sponsored the 19th Amendment, which was passed by a Republican-led Congress. The amendment was ultimately ratified after receiving approval from a majority Republican-led state legislatures. Even before the amendment’s ratification, Republican Representative Jeanette Rankin (MT-AL) made history in 1917 as the first woman elected to Congress.

More than a century later, President Trump and Republicans continue working to advance policies that empower women and support families. Republicans have fought to protect women in sports, expand healthcare options for women, support mothers and young children, and more. Through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, Republicans are also making it easier for women to pursue careers while raising a family. The historic law expands the Child Tax Credit, strengthens incentives for employers to provide childcare, and makes the paid family and medical leave tax credit permanent. 

Here’s what Members of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) had to say about the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment:

“106 years ago, women secured the right to vote and claimed their rightful voice in our republic. Republicans helped carry that fight through Congress, and Republican women have been leading ever since. American issues are women’s issues, and women’s issues are American issues. As Chair of the Republican Women’s Caucus, I’m proud to carry that legacy forward, and the next generation of Republican women will carry it further,” said Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03), Chairwoman of the Republican’s Women Caucus.

“More than a century ago, Republicans helped lead the fight to secure women’s right to vote, and we remain committed to advancing the freedom, opportunity, and safety of women across America. As the highest-ranking Republican woman in the House, I’m proud to honor the trailblazers who made the 19th Amendment possible. We’ll carry forward their legacy for generations to come,” said Rep. Lisa McClain (MI-10), Chairwoman of the House Republican Conference.

“Over a century ago, Republicans led the fight to secure the right to vote for America’s women through the ratification of the 19th Amendment that was sponsored by a Republican Senator, passed by a Republican-led Congress and ratified by a majority Republican states. Today we celebrate the trailblazing women who came before us who secured this right, made female voices heard and paved the way for the women who serve in elected office today,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11).

“To me, being a woman means having the profound honor to be a mother, a grandmother, and now a Congresswoman, and I don't take that for granted. Today marks 106 years since the 19th Amendment was ratified, thanks to a Republican-led Congress and Republican-majority states who gave women a voice in their own government, and the courage of Jeannette Rankin, the first woman ever elected to Congress. Republicans are still the party fighting for women today, whether that's protecting our daughters and granddaughters in their own sports and spaces or supporting expectant mothers with real resources when they need them most. I'm honored to carry on the legacy of the women who came before me, and I'll keep fighting for the women of East Tennessee every single day,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger (TN-01). 

“Women earned the right to vote because they showed up and fought for a seat at the table. The ratification of the 19th Amendment ensured that the women who build our communities, run small businesses, and raise the next generation have a say in our nation's path forward. Today, we honor that history by exercising our right to vote, bringing common sense to government, and ensuring our communities remain strong for generations to come,” said Rep. Michelle Fischbach (MN-07).

“Wyoming pioneered women’s rights on the frontier of equality throughout the 19th century. In 1869 our territory became the first to grant women the right to vote, generating a legacy into statehood as the “Equality State” which remains our motto today. Wyoming was the first state to elect a woman Governor, Nellie Tayloe Ross, and the first female Justice of the Peace, Esther Hobart Morris, a statue of whom stands in the U.S. Capitol today. Wyoming has been represented by a woman as the state’s sole member in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1995, and I have been honored to carry that tradition for two terms,” said Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY-AL).