Trump backs bill to establish suffragist monument in DC

President Trump on Friday threw his support behind a bill from a progressive freshman lawmaker that would create a monument in Washington, D.C., honoring suffragists and the 19th Amendment.

In announcing his support for the bill, Trump asserted in a pair of tweets that he has done more for women than any president in U.S. history.

“As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of women’s voting rights, we should build a BEAUTIFUL STATUE in Washington D.C. to honor the many brave women who made this possible for our GREAT COUNTRY…,” the president wrote.

He called for Congress to send him the bill introduced by first-term Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) as soon as possible.

“It will INSPIRE all women to continue being bold and brave in achieving their DREAMS!” Trump tweeted.

…Congress should send me H.R.473 ASAP and make this happen! It will INSPIRE all women to continue being bold and brave in achieving their DREAMS!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 14, 2020

The president’s tweet came days before Aug. 18, which marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote.

The legislation introduced Neguse by would establish an outdoor monument in the nation’s capital featuring women who fought for their right to vote.

The 22-foot-tall monument, called “Every Word We Utter,” was designed by sculptor Jane DeDecker and includes depictions of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, Harriot Stanton Blatch, Ida B. Wells and Alice Paul.

Jane DeDecker’s statue is a gorgeous portrayal of the brave & bold women behind the women’s suffrage movement and I am so proud to be leading legislation to have it installed in Washington D.C. as the first outdoor monument to this movement #EveryWordWeUtter pic.twitter.com/8JAxE8Xhsv

— Rep. Joe Neguse (@RepJoeNeguse) May 22, 2019

Neguse’s bill is co-sponsored by the entire Colorado congressional delegation, including GOP Sen. Cory Gardner and Democrat Sen. Michael Bennet.

It was passed unanimously by a voice vote in the House back in February. However, it has been stalled in the Senate.

Neguse took to Twitter on Friday and called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ken.) to help pass the bill.

In February the House passed my bipartisan bill to install the first ever outdoor women’s suffrage monument in DC. Today the President tweeted that he would sign it, @senatemajldr when will you pass it?

— Rep. Joe Neguse (@RepJoeNeguse) August 14, 2020