Women’s Issues

As a member of the Women’s Caucus and co-chair of the Young Women’s Task Force, I am committed to legislative initiatives that promote gender equality and awareness of women’s issues. I have worked consistently to improve the health and safety of women, and to create equality in the workplace.

Women’s Health

The health of women in this country is one of my top concerns. Congress must do more to combat diseases that affect women. I will continue to co-sponsor legislation which supports educational initiatives that promote awareness, and seek to improve access to quality women’s health care. There is no reason for an American woman to be denied preventative care for diseases that can be detected and treated early.

Fairness in the Workplace

In the workplace, women have the right to be free from discrimination, and deserve equal pay and economic opportunities. Women are consistently earning less than men in the workplace. Statistics from 2006 indicate that women with a bachelor's degree employed year-round full-time earned $53,201 while similarly educated men earned an average of $76,749. I believe that women should be paid fairly for their work and I am committed to pursuing legislation that will ensure this goal.

Reproductive Choice

I believe strongly in a woman’s right to make educated medical decisions regarding her reproductive health. Not only do I support a women’s right to choose, but also her ability to obtain legal pharmaceuticals such as emergency contraception and birth control. The United States government has the responsibility to expand access to quality and affordable health care as well as the duty to protect women’s rights.

Click here to read a letter I signed to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees regarding funding for women’s health care.

Click here to read my floor statement on the Violence Against Women Act.

Click here to go to my Women’s History Web site.