Women's Issues

The United States has made remarkable strides in the last several decades in breaking down barriers for women. Despite this progress, there is more work that needs to be done to honor women and expand their opportunities.

As a first step to recognize women’s achievements, I have introduced bipartisan legislation to institute the month of March as National Women’s History Month (H.RES. 525). I have also co-authored the bipartisan Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Women’s History Museum Act (H.R. 863), which passed the House this year. H.R. 863 increases awareness and knowledge of women’s involvement in history. Both bills also seek to acknowledge the women and organizations in the United States that have fought for and continue to promote the teaching of women’s history.

This Congress, we have worked on improving workplace policies that specifically address women and their families’ needs. Women nationwide are still only earning 77 cents, on average, for every dollar earned by men. This is a yearly wage differential of $11,084 between full-time working men and women. In an effort to address this disparity, I am a proud co-author of the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 377) that provides more effective remedies to women who face blatant wage discrimination.

In addition, I am a co-author of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 1975) and the Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act (H.R. 3712), that strengthens workplace protections so women do not have to choose between their workplace security and having a child.

I have also made a commitment for women to have reproductive choice and consistently voted against efforts that would limit this freedom. I have co-authored the Women’s Health Protection Act (H.R. 3471) and the Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women’s Services Act (H.R. 2030), which would prohibit the imposition of unnecessary or misleading restrictions to access abortion services.

Finally, every woman should feel safe in her home, workplace, and community. I was a co-author of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (P.L. 113-4), which became law early last year. I am now working to make sure women on a global level have the same protections and have co-authored the International Violence Against Women Act (H.R. 3571).

I will continue to support efforts and create opportunities that not only advance women, but also educate our Nation that “when women succeed, America succeeds.”