On the recordJuly 9, 2013
When the majority leader announced a list of bills that the House may consider over the next few weeks, I was disappointed to hear that, in July, instead of focusing on significant challenges that face our Nation, House Republicans will begin the next chapter in their war on women. We may consider, we heard, appropriations bills and another farm bill that would have drastic cuts to vital programs like SNAP and WIC that disproportionately devastate low-income women and families. We may, yet again, vote on legislation to repeal or gut the Affordable Care Act, which has provided millions of women with access to preventive care and ensured, finally, that being a woman is not a preexisting condition. What's equally troubling is what we didn't hear, what's missing from the list. Where is a budget to replace the sequester, which is prohibiting access to lifesaving programs for victims of domestic violence? Where is legislation to create jobs, put Americans back to work, and strengthen economic opportunities for the middle class? And where is the Paycheck Fairness Act to finally ensure that women get equal pay for equal work? I say we need another list. ____________________
