WASHINGTON, DC – Today, in celebration of National Women’s History Month, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), John Garamendi (CA-8), Jared Huffman (CA-2), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Debbie Dingell (MI-6), and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) introduced legislation to honor the millions of women who supported the Home Front during World War II. These “Rosie the Riveters” made tremendous sacrifices to support the wartime efforts and serve as a powerful example of the importance of women in the workforce today. The legislation’s introduction coincides with Rosie the Riveter Day, recognized each year on March 21.
To recognize the important sacrifice and contributions of these “Rosies,” Reps. Fitzpatrick, Garamendi, Huffman, Mullin, Dingell, and DeSaulnier introduced their bipartisan “Honoring Our Rosies” legislative package. This includes the “National Rosie the Riveter Day Act” to establish a national day commemorating the women who contributed to the Home Front during World War II and the “Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act” to honor the legacy of these women through the creation of a series of commemorative coins. Reps. Fitzpatrick, Garamendi, Huffman, Mullin, Dingell, and DeSaulnier also led a letter to the United States Postal Service Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee to encourage the issuance of a commemorative stamp or series of stamps, honoring the legacy of all women of many races who contributed to the Home Front during World War II.
“The heroic efforts of women employed in factories to build planes, ships, and bombs during World War II were essential to the war effort,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “I’m proud to help lead these bipartisan bills to honor the patriotic women who played an integral role in America winning the war, including my constituent Mae Krier, who has been an incredible advocate for the Rosies. I look forward to further honoring them when they receive the Congressional Gold Medal next month at the U.S. Capitol.”
"Today, we celebrate the millions of women who selflessly supported the wartime effort during World War II. I am incredibly proud that our community is home to the Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park where Rosies at the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond helped produce more than 700 vessels during World War II,” said Congressman Garamendi. “These dedicated women made countless contributions to their country while enduring gender and racial discrimination and harassment. Our Rosies are a testament to women’s empowerment and an inspiration to future generations of women and girls.”
“During the Second World War, countless women answered the call of service by taking on new roles to support the wartime efforts at home,” said Congressman Huffman. “These ‘Rosies’ made tremendous sacrifices and contributions, redefining women’s role in the workforce, and setting a powerful example for women across the country. Decades later, they continue to inspire the generations who have followed in their footsteps. This legislative package is just one of the many ways we can continue to honor these heroines for their bravery and service.”
“America owes a debt that can never be repaid to the millions of women who were essential to our victory in World War II. Despite facing discrimination and harassment, these women made invaluable contributions in service to our country,” said Congressman Mullin. “I’m proud to carry on the torch of my predecessor, Jackie Speier, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the Rosies receive the recognition they deserve with the award of the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our country’s oldest and highest civilian honors.”
“Rosies are the true definition of trailblazers, and they answered the call when our nation needed them most – opening the door wider for women and girls across the country. America will forever be changed for the better thanks to their ‘can do’ spirit,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “I am blessed to still have many Rosies in my life and have even celebrated a few 100th birthdays with them in recent years. I am honored to co-lead this legislation that will ensure the Rosies’ legacy lives on, and their contributions are always remembered and appreciated.”
“The impact Rosies had both on the home front effort in World War II and on advancing the role of women in the workforce cannot be overstated. They deserve endless recognition for their invaluable contributions to our Armed Forces, the Bay Area, and our nation,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am grateful to continue the fight for Rosies with Congressman Garamendi and my colleagues.”
Between 1940 and 1945, the percentage of women in the workforce jumped from 27% to nearly 37%, and by the end of the war, nearly one out of every four married women worked outside the home. As riveters, welders, and other laborers, this diverse women workforce played an integral part in meeting the ever-growing demand for war materials in factories, shipyards, and farms as well as for support services in schools and hospitals.
On April 10, 2024, Congress will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Rosie the Riveter in honor of every woman who supported America’s war efforts during World War II.
The full text of the National Rosie the Riveter Day Act, Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act, and a copy of the letter to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee are available here.