As part of their continued effort to honor the extraordinary women who helped shape the course of American history, Reps. Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), John Garamendi (CA-8), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Debbie Dingell (MI), and Jared Huffman (CA-2) introduced the National Rosie the Riveter Day Act, a bipartisan bill to formally establish March 21st as National Rosie the Riveter Day.
Introduced during Women’s History Month, this legislation is a tribute to the more than six million American women who stepped up during World War II—working in factories, shipyards, farms, and volunteer organizations—to fortify our nation’s strength and spirit at a time of global crisis. Known as “Rosies,” these women redefined the American workforce and helped lay the foundation for generations of progress in gender equality.
“Throughout World War II, millions of women stepped up with courage and resilience to support their country and the war effort on the Home Front. These ‘Rosie the Riveters’ made sacrifices that were pivotal to our history while dealing with discrimination and harassment. Their legacy not only shaped the outcome of the war, it also continues to inspire generations of women in the workforce today,” said Rep. Kevin Mullin. “I’m proud to co-lead the National Rosie the Riveter Day Act and continue our effort to ensure the Rosies get the recognition they deserve.”
“The Rosie the Riveter Day Act represents the next chapter in our ongoing effort to fully honor and recognize the historic contributions of these remarkable women. It builds directly upon the successful fight I led to award the Rosies the Congressional Gold Medal, which I presented last year to my dear friend and Bucks County’s own Mae Krier on behalf of the six million women whose strength and resilience helped win World War II and transform our nation. By designating March 21 as National Rosie the Riveter Day, we ensure their legacy is celebrated, and their powerful example of courage, equality, and trailblazing leadership continues to inspire generations to come,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.
“The millions of Rosies the Riveter who answered the call to serve by aiding the homefront effort during World War II deserve recognition for helping their country win the war and forever changing the role of women in the workforce. I am proud to again join my colleagues in leading this legislation that celebrates the Rosies’ bravery, commitment to gender equity, and pioneering legacy,” said Congressman DeSaulnier.
“Rosies are the true definition of trailblazers, and they answered the call when our nation needed them most – opening the door wider for women and girls across the country. America will forever be changed for the better thanks to their ‘can do’ spirit,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “I am blessed to still have many Rosies in my life and have even celebrated a few 100th birthdays with them in recent years. I am honored to co-lead this legislation that will ensure the Rosies’ legacy lives on, and their contributions are always remembered and appreciated.”
“I’m proud to celebrate the millions of women who selflessly supported the wartime effort during World War II. This bill is especially important to our community since it is home to the Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park, where Rosies at the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond helped produce more than 700 vessels during World War II,” said Rep. Garamendi. “It was an honor to join the Rosie the Riveter Trust at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park to celebrate the millions of women who selflessly supported the wartime effort during World War II.”
“During the Second World War, countless women answered the call of service by taking on new roles to support the wartime efforts at home,” said Rep. Huffman, CA-02. “These ‘Rosies’ made tremendous sacrifices and contributions, redefining women’s role in the workforce, and setting a powerful example for women across the country. Decades later, they continue to inspire the generations who have followed in their footsteps. This legislative package is just one of the many ways we can continue to honor these heroines for their bravery and service.”
The National Rosie the Riveter Day Act amends Title 36 of the U.S. Code to:
- Designate March 21st—during Women’s History Month—as National Rosie the Riveter Day;
- Request an annual presidential proclamation commemorating the day;
- Encourage states, local governments, schools, and communities to observe it with appropriate programs, educational events, and tributes.
The Rosies changed history. This legislation ensures that history is remembered—and that their example of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism continues to guide our nation forward.