COSWL Cause

Subject: Message from the NWHM - H.R. 1700

WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) today hailed
committee passage of her bill, H.R. 1700, which establishes a
National Women's History Museum on the Mall in Washington,
DC to honor the role that women have played in American
History. It passed the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure by a voice vote.

"Less than five percent of the 2,400 national historic landmarks
chronicle women's achievement and of the 211 statues here in
the U.S. Capitol, only ten are of female leaders," Rep. Maloney
said. "The museums and memorials in Washington are one
measure of what our society values. We already have museums
for stamps and spies. This bill would provide women, comprising
53% of our population, a long overdue home to honor their many
contributions to building our country."

"From Susan B. Anthony to Oprah Winfrey, from Hattie Caraway--
the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate--to Julie Taymor--the
first woman to win a Tony Award for Directing--the story of what
women have contributed to the American way of life is a story
long overdue for the telling," she continued. "This museum will do
just that, and I'm grateful for the leadership of Chairman Oberstar
and Ranking Member Mica in moving H.R. 1700 through the
Committee, and for the extraordinary support of District
Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton. Now, it's on to the House
floor!"

"Women are indispensable to the functioning of society, but
absent from the Mall and other prominent monument sites in
Washington. We are overdue in giving women their due," Rep.
Norton said. Norton also said she is particularly proud of the
women who have raised funds and have persisted with the effort
to build a museum for women in the nation's capital. Norton has
been a strong proponent of the museum, not only because of its
importance to women, but also because of its significant potential
to bring to D.C., a major tourist town, new visitors and to
encourage others to stay longer.

"Women will finally have a front row seat on the National Mall. We
are very appreciative of Representative Maloney's leadership on
this. She's really been our champion and Chairwoman Norton,
whose efforts moved the bill, has been extremely supportive,"
said Joan Wages, President & CEO of the National Women's
History Museum.

The bill directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to sell
its old Cotton Annex property on the Mall at 12th and
Independence to the museum at fair-market rates. The museum
would be built and maintained with private funds.

Senator Susan Collins (ME) is working on introducing the
companion bill in the Senate.