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Standing Committee on the Law Library of Congress

The Standing Committee serves as the Association’s connection to and voice of the legal profession concerning the continued development and effective operation of the Law Library of Congress.

250 Years of Independence: Fortifying America’s Commitment to Democracy for All

New Traveling Exhibit Launching Summer 2025

Presented by the ABA Standing Committee on the Law Library of Congress, this traveling exhibit celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will explore our founding document’s heroic and controversial legacy, examining how independence from monarchy promoted democratic principles and upheld the rule of law in America. The exhibit will give particular attention to untold stories of the diverse and resilient communities that helped to build our nation and contribute to its strength today. If you would like to rent or purchase the new traveling exhibit, please contact Anna Snyder, Director, Standing Committee on the Law Library of Congress, at [email protected]. Your support of this exhibit–prominently displayed at events throughout the country—will demonstrate a historic commitment to advancing civil and social rights, and the rule of law.

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Traveling Exhibit -- 100 Years After the Indian Citizenship Act: The Continuing Struggle to Guarantee Voting Rights to Native Americans

Native Vote

Traveling Exhibit Launched November 1, 2023

Despite the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924, the Nationality Act in 1940, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Native American voters continue to face unique challenges when exercising their right to vote. The Frank Harrison, Elizabeth Peratrovich, and Miguel Trujillo Native American Voting Rights Act (NAVRA) was introduced in 2021 to address lingering barriers. The bipartisan bill did not pass but it brought attention to what is needed to protect the constitutionally guaranteed right of Native Americans to vote: expand the types of facilities that can be used as voter registration agencies; increase polling site accessibility, including expanding early in-person voting and providing ballot drop boxes; provide enforcement power to citizens and attorneys general; require approval for actions like moving a polling place; validate certain tribal identification for voting or registering to vote; permit voters to designate another individual to return a ballot on their behalf; and expand requirements for bilingual voting accessibility. In addition, increase voter outreach, education, registration, turnout, and accessibility for Native American communities. The exhibit is on display at venues across the United States -- including at law schools, state and local bar associations, national and local conferences, courthouses, state capitol buildings, law firms, and other community buildings. If you would like to rent or purchase the new traveling exhibit, please contact Anna Snyder, Director, Standing Committee on the Law Library of Congress, at [email protected]. Your support of this exhibit–prominently displayed at events throughout the country—will demonstrate a historic commitment to advancing civil and social rights, and the rule of law.

Rent or Purchase - the Traveling Exhibit!
19th Amendment

ABA Day 2021: Recent Additions to the Law Library of Congress Rare Books Collection

Law Library of Congress Rare Book Curator Nathan Dorn displays a selection of new additions to the rare book collection of the Law Library of Congress.

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Upcoming Events

Learn more about events hosted by the Standing Committee on the Law Library of Congress including programs at the ABA Annual and Midyear meetings, ABA Day and more.

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Resources

The Standing Committee highlights the resources of the Law Library of Congress and offers links to key government web sites.

Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy: The 19th Amendment at 100

Conversation with ABA President Judy Perry Martinez & Law Librarian of Congress Jane Sánchez

The Law Day theme for 2020 is “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy: The 19th Amendment at 100.” The Law Library of Congress hosted ABA President Judy Perry Martinez in the Library of Congress on March 11, 2020 for a conversation about the legacy of the 19th Amendment with Law Librarian of Congress and Deputy Librarian of Library Collections and Services Jane Sánchez. Discussed are the lessons learned from the suffrage movement, and how the work of securing equal rights for women is still a struggle that continues into the present day.

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February 2020: Justice Ginsburg Calls For Renewed Effort to Pass Equal Rights Amendment

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Speaking at a Georgetown University Law Center event co-sponsored by the ABA, Ginsburg celebrated the centennial of the 19th Amendment as a "first step towards equal citizenship stature for women."

100 years after the 19th Amendment guaranteed women the right to vote in the United States, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the U.S. Supreme Court and Judge M. Margaret McKeown of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit discussed that watershed moment and the continued fight for equal rights for women that has followed.

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2020 ABA/Law Library of Congress Law Day Program

Social Movement Changing America: The Legacies of the 19th Amendment

On April 30, 2020, the ABA and the Law Library of Congress jointly hosted a Law Day virtual program, Social Movement Changing America: The Legacies of the 19th Amendment. Kimberly Adams moderated a panel discussion featuring Martha S. Jones, Thomas Saenz and Julie Suk.

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