WASHINGTON, D.C. – This year, women will make history when they cast more than half of the votes in the 2008 election and the issues women care about – health care, education, and the economy – are playing a prominent role in this election. It’s during this groundbreaking year for women in politics that the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues will unveil its bipartisan legislative agenda for 2008. Tonight, a capacity crowd in the East Hall of Union Station will hear how the Caucus plans to improve the lives of women and families in America and around the world.

The annual Congressional Gala is sponsored by Women's Policy, Inc. (WPI), a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy organization that works closely with the Caucus.

Topping the Caucus’ legislative agenda for the second session of the 110th Congress are the unique issues facing women in the military and women veterans, such as multiple deployments, child care, family leave for new parents and sexual harassment. The Caucus also will announce a new priority to improve maternal health in the U.S. and abroad. The United States currently ranks last among developed nations in the area of maternal mortality, when women die from complications related to their pregnancy or childbirth.

"This is a groundbreaking year for American women and the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues," said Congresswoman Lois Capps, Co-Chair of the Caucus. "We're building on our string of legislative accomplishments to forge ahead on new issues that are important to women and families in the U.S. and around the world. I am honored to serve as Co-Chair with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers as we focus attention and provide solutions to the challenges that face women and families."

"Tonight is an opportunity to reflect on how far women have come since the Caucus was founded 31 years ago," said Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a fellow Co-Chair. "Today, women are serving in leadership positions in Congress, in the workforce and in the home like never before, successfully overcoming issues that may not have existed three decades ago. I am hopeful about our future, and privileged to serve again with Co-Chair Lois Capps as we continue to fight for women on new and emerging priorities."

"Countless grandmothers, wives, sisters, and mothers have the Women's Caucus to thank for improving their daily lives," added Cynthia Hall, President of WPI. "As the only truly bipartisan group in Congress, the Women's Caucus is an influential voice on Capitol Hill. The diverse backgrounds and life experiences of its members makes the Caucus uniquely suited to finding solutions on a wide range of challenges, from encouraging women to lead healthy lives, to supporting women in the military, and creating opportunities for girls in science, technology and math."

The gala also honors the Caucus leadership and eight task force co-chairs that address a range of basic concerns facing women and families (SEE BACKGROUNDER.)

The Caucus is the primary venue for women in Congress to work together to address issues affecting women and their families through a bipartisan approach to problem solving. The Women’s Caucus now boasts 73 Members, with chairs or ranking members on 35 House committees or subcommittees, and a list of impressive legislative victories that address violence against women, family and medical leave, retirement equity, civil rights, child care and support, and women’s health.

Women's Policy, Inc. is a non-profit, non-partisan public policy organization that champions the interests of women throughout the country on the most significant social, economic, and health issues across the public policy spectrum. The organization’s sole focus is to help ensure that the most informed decisions on key women’s issues are made by policymakers. More information is online at www.womenspolicy.org.

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BACKGROUNDER

Co-Chairs: Rep. Lois Capps and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Vice-Chairs: Rep. Jan Schakowsky and Rep. Mary Fallin

Task Force Co-Chairs

Women’s Health: Rep. Tammy Baldwin and Rep. Shelley Moore Capito

Violence Against Women: Rep. Loretta Sanchez and Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite

Women and the Economy/Business: Rep. Ellen Tauscher and Rep. Judy Biggert

Women in the Military/Veterans: Rep. Susan Davis and Rep. Mary Fallin

International Women’s Issues: Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson and Rep. Mary Bono Mack

Women of Color: Rep. Hilda Solis and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Young Women: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Rep. Jo Ann Emerson

Women and Justice: Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones and Rep. Deborah Pryce

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.