FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Christianné Allen, Christianne.Allen@mail.house.gov
CONTACT: Marisa Melton, Marisa.Melton@mail.house.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-ID) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) today reintroduced a bipartisan bill to authorize the National Mall as the location for the 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, "During World War II, millions of American women answered the call to serve our nation by holding down our home front. In Idaho, many women took to running farms and ranches while others went to factories around the USA to build planes, munitions, and ships to support the war effort. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill to honor their service, sacrifice, and patriotism by securing the location for a memorial in our nation’s capital, 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," said Congresswoman Dingell. "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."
"The unwavering courage and determination of these women, and the lasting impact of Rosies on future generations undeniably deserve to be honored on our nation's National Mall. Without it, the full story of WWII goes untold," said WWII Women’s Memorial Foundation CEO and Founder Raya Kenney. "This bill ensures that this memorial is built in its rightful place near the existing WWII memorial, where it can stand as a testament to the extraordinary legacy of these women’s service and sacrifice. We call on Congress to swiftly enact this legislation so that America’s living Rosies—who are celebrating their 98th, 99th, and centennial birthdays—can see their memorial come to fruition in their lifetime. The introduction of this legislation is an important step forward in our efforts to etch the memories of these inspiring women on our nation’s National Mall. Thank you to Senators Shaheen and Blackburn and Representatives Dingell and Fulcher for fighting to preserve the stories and legacies of the women who shaped American history during WWII.”
View a summary of the bill here.
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