Women

The wage gap among men and women is still prevalent and American women make approximately 78 cents for every dollar their male counterparts earn. The pay gap for female minorities is even greater. I voted for, and Congress passed, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, giving women the right to seek legal redress for wage discrimination. Additionally, I am a proud cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act to deter wage discrimination by ensuring that employers who try to justify paying a man more than a woman for the same job show that the disparity is job related and necessary. This legislation would also strengthen legal remedies to include punitive and compensatory damages.

Women have unique health care needs, and often make important health care decisions for their families. In March 2010, my colleagues and I in Congress enacted the Affordable Care Act, which benefits women’s health. Since its enactment, 26.9 million women with private health insurance have gained expanded preventive services, including mammograms, cervical cancer screenings, prenatal care, flu and pneumonia shots, and regular well-baby and well-child visits. Additionally, many health plans now cover additional preventive services, including well-woman visits, screening for gestational diabetes, domestic violence screening, breastfeeding supplies, and contraceptive services. An estimated 8.7 million of these women have gained coverage for maternity services. Additionally, as many as 65 million women with pre-existing conditions can no longer be discriminated against or charges higher premiums for their health coverage. Furthermore, insurance companies in the individual and small group markets will no longer be permitted to charge higher rates due to gender or health status. For more information on the Affordable Care Act and its benefits for women and families, please visit: www.healthcare.gov.

I believe women’s needs are especially critical on an international level. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I have worked to address issues affecting women both at home and abroad, especially to health care. That is why I introduced H.R. 2241, the Global Health Innovation Act of 2015. This bill would help to address health care needs around the world and reduce the threat of pandemic diseases.

More on Women

Washington Review, June 12, 2015

Jun 12, 2015

This week in Washington, I had an interview with students from my alma mater, received input from several constituent groups, and voted on transportation funding.

Washington Review, June 5, 2015

Jun 5, 2015

During my time in Washington this week, I questioned federal officials regarding the tragic Amtrak derailment, met with groups from New Jersey, and voted on several measures affecting the 8th District.

Washington Review, January 23, 2015

Jan 23, 2015

This week in New Jersey, I presented a replacement Purple Heart award to one of my constituents, and in Washington, reflected on the President’s State of the Union address, voted on several critical bills, and was renamed to several Subcommittees in the 114th Congress.

Sires Statement on Solution to Re-Open the Government and Avoid Default

Oct 17, 2013

I am relieved that Congress has finally broken through the gridlock that initiated the government shutdown. Although 16 days is far too long for this stalemate to have occurred, thousands of American families woke up today knowing that not only can they pay their bills, but the United States of America can continue paying its bills.

Washington Review June 21, 2013

Jun 21, 2013

This week, Congress debated critical policies that would deeply affect American’s across the nation. The House voted on legislation that would restrict women’s rights and legislation that would have cut food aid for nearly two million Americans, mostly working families and seniors. Furthermore, the 113th Congress has been in session for 170 days, and House leadership has yet to bring a jobs bill or a budget agreement before the House of Representatives. This week, however, I was able to join my colleagues on the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for a meeting with Speaker John Boehner to discuss immigration reform, and I was also proud to introduce new legislation that would greatly benefit our communities. Lastly, I wrote an editorial piece to inform the public about the dangerous situation in North Korea, and the growing unity in Congress to establish solutions. I encourage you to continue reading my Washington Review for detailed updates.