Democratic Women’s Caucus Opposes Republicans’ Default on America Act

Chair Frankel: “The Democratic Women’s Caucus refuses to play politics with women’s livelihoods, and we wholeheartedly oppose this disastrous bill.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) formally opposed House Republicans’ debt limit package which includes spending cuts to FY22 funding levels, blocks student loan relief, and includes unnecessarily stringent Medicaid work requirements.

DWC Chair Lois Frankel (FL-22) issued the following statement:

“House Republicans may say they support women and families, but their Default on America Act tells a different story. House Republicans are holding our economy hostage, threatening a devastating debt default, and their only proposal uses women and children’s well-being as a political bargaining chip,” said Chair Frankel.

“House Republicans’ Default on America Act abandons women and families across the country, and would cut funding for kids’ schools, rip away nutrition assistance that keeps families fed, cut child care and Head Start slots, and make it harder to get health care.”

“The Democratic Women’s Caucus refuses to play politics with women’s livelihoods, and we wholeheartedly oppose this disastrous bill. Our members are ready to act now to prevent a default, continue our historic deficit reduction, and invest responsibly in the programs that women and families depend on.”

Republicans’ plan to cap the budget at FY2022 levels would mean huge cuts for families across the country and be devastating for women. According to information requested by House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, this proposal would lead to:

1. 200,000 children losing access to Head Start slots and 100,000 children losing access to child care—making it more difficult for parents to join the workforce and contribute to our economy;
2. 1.2 million women, infants, and children losing vital nutrition assistance through Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC);
3. and more.

By contrast, the Democratic Women’s Caucus and House Democrats are focused on putting people over politics and delivering for women and families. Last month, DWC leaders led a letter outlining the DWC’s appropriations priorities and making clear that investments in women and girls shouldn’t be partisan—because they are absolutely critical to the success of our nation. The members specifically pushed for investments to:

1. Boost women in the economy—including investments in child care, Head Start, home care, and paid leave;
2. Prevent violence against women—including by fully funding the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA);
3. Support women’s health—including investments in our national family planning program, and resources to address the maternal mortality crisis;
4. Support women service members and veterans—including by continuing efforts to prevent sexual harassment and assault in our military;
5. And provide aid to women and girls abroad—including investments to prevent and respond to gender-based violence worldwide.

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