Maloney Tells Postmaster General: Bella Abzug Deserves a Stamp

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), today expressed her support to Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan for a commemorative stamp in honor of the late New York Representative Bella S. Abzug.

In her letter to the Postmaster General, the Congresswoman writes in part, “[Bella] was a tireless champion of women in Congress, and her success breaking down barriers for women in politics inspired generations of young people. She famously declared, “This woman’s place is in the House…the House of Representatives!” Her career and activism continue to have an impact in New York and in Congress today. Her extraordinary contributions to the nation certainly make her worthy of the honor of being depicted on a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) stamp.”

Full text of the letter below and a PDF can be found here.

Dear Postmaster General Brennan:

I am writing to express my support for a proposal to honor the late Representative Bella S. Abzug on a stamp. Born and raised in New York City, Abzug represented Manhattan in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1971-1977. She was a tireless champion of women in Congress, and her success breaking down barriers for women in politics inspired generations of young people. She famously declared, “This woman’s place is in the House…the House of Representatives!” Her career and activism continue to have an impact in New York and in Congress today. Her extraordinary contributions to the nation certainly make her worthy of the honor of being depicted on a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) stamp.

Abzug was a national feminist leader and peace activist. Her opposition to the Vietnam War was a driving force behind her run for Congress. She was instrumental in writing and passing landmark legislation, including Title IX, which ensures equal protections for men and women in institutions of higher education, and the Freedom of Information Act, making government more transparent and accountable to the American people. She had an unmistakable political style, and was a powerful voice in the House of Representatives. She was the first woman to run for the U.S. Senate to represent New York and the first woman to run for Mayor of New York City. Although these campaigns were unsuccessful, she empowered countless women to run for office, engage in politics and civic life, and join the women’s movement in pursuit of equal rights and opportunity. 

After her career in the House, Abzug continued to advocate for women and girls around the world. She established the Women USA Fund and the Women’s Environmental and Development Organization. In 2005, Abzug’s daughter founded the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute in her mother’s memory, to train and educate young women leaders in New York City.

I am proud to strongly recommend that Bella Abzug be portrayed on a USPS stamp. I believe that her contributions to the nation as a civil rights attorney, trailblazing politician, and advocate make her worthy of this honor. Thank you for your consideration of this request.

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