Women's Issues
In the last century, the women's rights movement has overcome numerous challenges – from the early fight to gain democratic rights to the ongoing struggle to protect full reproductive freedoms. And at nearly every step along the way, women of all backgrounds have joined together to speak with one voice for full equality in the workplace, in the home, and in their doctor’s office. Today, as Congress considers which programs will be cut from the federal budget, David believes we must ensure that women do not get left behind.
In the last century, the women's rights movement has overcome numerous challenges – from the early fight to gain democratic rights to the ongoing struggle to protect full reproductive freedoms. And at nearly every step along the way, women of all backgrounds have joined together to speak with one voice for full equality in the workplace, in the home, and in their doctor’s office. Today, as Congress considers which programs will be cut from the federal budget, David believes we must ensure that women do not get left behind.
Earlier this year, David co-signed a letter to the House Committee on Appropriations requesting that they provide $327 million in Fiscal Year 2012 to fund Title X family planning programs, which provides more than 5 million Americans with preventive health care services such as breast cancer screenings, HIV tests, contraceptives, and family planning services.
Steadfast in his efforts to fight for women’s rights, David is an original cosponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment introduced in the 112th Congress, an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would ensure that the equality of rights cannot denied on the basis of gender. He also cosponsored he Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 1519) to ensure that women receive equal pay as their male counterparts
Furthermore, serving on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs has enabled David to fight for vital funding that protects women's rights around the world. When the Committee met to consider H.R. 2059, a bill to prohibit funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), David offered two amendments to help protect some of the most important funding for the UNFPA program. One amendment sought to protect funding for the UNFPA's work in post-conflict and disaster situations for equipment, medicine, and supplies to ensure safe childbirth and obstetric care following a natural disaster. The other amendment would have supported funds for the UNFPA to end the practice of female genital mutilation.
As Congress debates funding for critical programs that provide women with access to quality health care services, David will continue fighting to protect these critical resources to ensure that women, especially those most vulnerable, receive the care they need. The Affordable Care Act provides access to quality, affordable healthcare, including contraception and family planning. In the midst of new attacks against women’s access to health care, David has worked hard to protect these basic, essential rights.