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 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 (ACA), 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. However, women’s health care has increasingly come under attack as Republicans take aim at dismantling the ACA and the various services it provides for women. Last year, the Department of Health and Human Services issued two rules in response to an executive order, that rolled back the federal requirements for employers to provide birth control coverage in their health insurance plan. In response, I have cosponsored H.R. 4082, the Birth Control Access Act, which would nullify this ruling and protect coverage of contraception services for women.
I believe women’s needs are especially critical on an international level, which is why as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I have worked to address issues affecting women both at home and abroad, especially health care. I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 5034, the International Violence Against Women Act which would establish a comprehensive U.S. plan for addressing U.S. efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence around the world.
More on Women
(Washington D.C.) - Congressman Albio Sires’ statement on the most recent appointment to the Supreme Court of the United States, following a 50-48 vote by the U.S. Senate to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh:
Last week in Washington, the Senate Judiciary Committee grappled with serious allegations against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh. The House of Representatives passed critical transportation bills, including railroad oversight legislation that I introduced. Additionally, I met with the President of Chile, the Director of USAID, and constituents from the 8th District.
This week in Washington, I cosponsored a resolution mandating anti-sexual harassment training in the House, attended a Transportation and Infrastructure markup on bills related to disaster recovery and combating human trafficking, met with a former Venezuelan mayor, and met with members of JP Morgan Chase. I also cosponsored a resolution to retain the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction.
While in Washington this week, the House voted on the Majority’s tax plan and a bill to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), I attended a markup in the Foreign Affairs Committee, and held a number of meetings.
While in Washington this week, I urged Speaker Ryan to reauthorize CHIP, cosponsored legislation to protect victims of domestic violence, and sent letters to the Administration asking them to restore policies that facilitate access to affordable contraception. I also voted on the fiscal year (FY) 2018 budget and an Iran sanctions bill in addition to holding a number of meetings.
While in Washington this week, I participated in a number of hearings and markups reviewing bipartisan legislation and met with various groups to discuss issues important to residents of the 8th District.
Over the last month there have been peaceful protest demonstrations around the nation and I have received numerous messages from constituents expressing concern and outrage over actions carried out in the first four weeks of the Trump Administration. I share these concerns and am strongly opposed to recent decisions that put our national security at risk and are fundamentally opposed to the core values we hold as Americans. Here is an update on the recent actions I have taken.
Last week in Washington, D.C., I attended briefings, introduced and voted on legislation, and was renamed to several Subcommittees in the 115th Congress.
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.