WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States House of Representatives unanimously passed U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher's (R-ID) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell's (D-MI) bipartisan bill to authorize the National Mall as the location for a memorial honoring the women who worked on the home front during World War II.
The World War II Women’s Memorial Location Act is the next legislative step needed after Congress passed bipartisan legislation in 2022 authorizing the establishment of a memorial with private funds.
Under current law, an act of Congress is required to place a commemorative work on the National Mall. This bill advances a decade-long effort to properly honor the more than 18 million trailblazing women—known as Rosie the Riveters—who worked as riveters, pilots, engineers, electricians, mechanics, code breakers, and more.
Congressman Fulcher said, “Rosie the Riveters were vital to the war effort during WWII. In Idaho, heroic civilian women worked and volunteered at the Farragut Naval Training Station in North Idaho. Built shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, it became the second-largest naval training base in the country. I’m proud to have co-led this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to honor their service, sacrifice, and patriotism by securing the location for a memorial in our nation’s capital—proudly supported entirely through private funds.”
“Our Rosies answered the call when our nation needed them most, redefining the role of the American woman and opening the door wider for generations to come,” Congresswoman Dingell added. “This bill will take us one step closer to ensuring our Rosies receive the recognition they deserve, and I am honored to lead legislation to honor their service and commitment to America and their unwavering ‘can do’ spirit. We will always be thankful for their strength, bravery, and lasting impact on our nation. I’m proud to pass this bill through the House, and look forward to it being signed into law, so we can begin work on this monument to complete the story of World War II in our nation’s front yard.”
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