Washington, DC –Today, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) applaud the passage of H.R. 1773, the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act, legislation to honor the trailblazing American women who stepped up during World War II.
H.R. 1773 the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act was passed by unanimous consent in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, November 13, 2019. This legislation awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the American women who volunteered and joined the workforce during World War II in recognition of their contributions to the war effort and our nation. It is co-sponsored by 293 Members.
“Throughout our nation’s history, countless Americans have answered the call to serve during times of conflict and turmoil,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “During World War II, women across the country – and across our district - left their homes for factory jobs in support of the war effort: Working as riveters, buckers, welders, and electricians. These ‘Rosie the Riveters’ embodied the ‘We can do it’ spirit forever connected with the famous poster. I’m proud that the House has recognized these home front-heroes with the passage of the bipartisan Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act. I’m especially proud to represent a “Rosie,” Mae Krier of Levittown, who has worked tirelessly in advocating for this long-deserved recognition.”
“I am thrilled that the House of Representatives has finally taken this long-overdue step to recognize our ‘Rosie the Riveters’ for their courage and tremendous contributions to our country. While Congress has honored many World War II heroes with a Congressional Gold Medal, it has disgracefully overlooked the sacrifice and service of the incredible women who heeded our nation’s call to action on the Home Front,” said Rep. Speier. “Rosies like Phyllis Gould and Marian Sousa learned new jobs as welders and draftsmen. Mae Krier helped build B-17 and B-29 Bombers. Betty Reid Soskin worked as a file clerk in the Boilermakers Union hall. These real-life Rosie the Riveters bravely forged a new path when their nation called upon them to serve. Today, they are the driving forces behind efforts to recognize and preserve the war-time contributions of American women. Their undying patriotism and ‘We Can Do It’ spirit exemplify the best of our nation. I cannot think of more deserving recipients for a Congressional Gold Medal than our Rosies.”
“The women who answered the call and supported the war effort -- by taking on new roles on the homefront and helping our nation win World War II -- are among America’s greatest living heroines. These ‘Rosie the Riveters’ were the linchpin of our wartime efforts at home. The sacrifices and tremendous contributions of these Rosies, some of whom I am privileged to represent here in Congress, continue to inspire the generations who have followed in their footsteps, and it is fitting that the House is honoring these incredible women for their service to our country,” said Rep. Huffman.
“During World War II, millions of women answered the call and joined the war effort across the country, including in my district at the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond, California,” said Rep. DeSaulnier. “These brave and dedicated women broke barriers by taking jobs as riveters, welders, and electricians – forever changing the roles of women in the workforce. This award recognizes the significant contributions made by Rosies, whose invaluable service helped to win the war and has since inspired generations of women and men alike.”
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