Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Wednesday, January 21, the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC), led by Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Policy Task Force Co-Chairs Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), released its Women’s Safety Legislative Slate. The first of a series of legislative packages corresponding to DWC’s Better Future Agenda, the Women’s Safety Slate is a diverse set of bills grounded in one goal: a future where women are safer in our homes, at work, and in our communities.

This slate comes at a critical moment. One year into Trump’s presidency, women are less safe because of the administration’s continued efforts to rip away our rights and protections at home, in the voting booth, in the workplace, and at school. Just weeks ago, an ICE agent killed Renee Good in her car. Today, despite the near-unanimous passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Epstein survivors are still waiting for the release of the documents. Later this week, we expect the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to rescind harassment guidance to protect women at work. These injustices represent just a fraction of the damage Trump has done to women’s safety and well-being. 

This legislative slate is in honor of these women and of all survivors, victims of violence, and those whose lives have been taken. We will continue to fight for them.

Read the full legislative slate here. 

Read quotes from Democratic Women’s Caucus members with legislation included in the slate:

“The safety of women and girls remains the Democratic Women’s Caucus’ top priority. Without safety, our lives are at risk, and our rights are destroyed.  It is the bedrock of our agenda. One year into Trump’s presidency, survivors, immigrants, moms, and women workers are less safe because of the administration’s continued efforts to rip away our rights and protections. The administration’s attacks on women over the last year, and in particular their failure to release the Epstein files and ICE’s killing of Renee Good this month, demonstrates why these bills are so desperately needed,” said DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “These bills reflect our commitment to build a better future for women and girls; they reflect the diverse expertise of DWC’s members. Each of the bills included in this slate aims to make women safer in our homes, at work, and in our communities. We look forward to the work ahead to pass these bills into law and our continued fight for the safety of all women and girls.”

“The safety of women and girls is under attack by the Trump Administration,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), DWC Policy Task Force Co-Chair. “The DWC Safety Slate is a concrete plan to stop Trump’s transgressions and protect families, survivors, and immigrants. I’m proud that the Limiting ICE’s National Encroachment Act, my bill to block federal agencies from sharing medical data with ICE, has been included in this effort. Legislation like this is critical not only to standing up to Trump but ensuring a better future for women, girls, and families across America.”

“Women deserve a future where their safety isn’t a question, it’s a guarantee. Whether a woman is playing sports, getting into a rideshare, or experiencing abuse, this slate of bills present real solutions to so many of the obstacles women face every day. The time for change is now, and I am proud to introduce the Safer Sports for Athletes Act as a part of this slate. This legislation will help SafeSport live up to its promise of protecting athletes and preventing abuse and sexual violence in sports,” said DWC Policy Task Force Co-Chair Deborah Ross (NC-02).

“One year into the Trump administration, women are less safe in their homes and in their communities, and that failure is unacceptable. This Women’s Safety Better Future Legislative Slate makes clear that Democrats will protect survivors, confront violence and intimidation including by ICE, and stand firmly with the Epstein survivors who have demanded justice for years. The bills I have introduced give survivors the freedom to leave dangerous situations, rebuild financial security, and live without fear because women’s safety cannot wait,” said DWC Vice Chair Rep. Emilia Sykes (OH-13).

“I’m proud that two pieces of legislation I’ve authored to promote gun safety are included in this Women’s Safety Better Future legislative agenda—because when dangerous individuals can access firearms, that’s a threat to women’s safety. Women in this country deserve better, and I’m committed to working with my colleagues in the Democratic Women’s Caucus to push for the policy changes needed to finally secure freedom, safety, and security for every woman in every zip code," said DWC Reproductive Health Care Task Force Co-Chair and Liaison Judy Chu (CA-28).

“I’ve had the honor of caring for women for more than 20 years as an OB-GYN, and I’m proud to continue protecting women’s health and safety in Congress,” said Reproductive Health Task Force Co-Chair and Liaison Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (MN-03). “My colleagues in the Democratic Women’s Caucus and I have introduced bills that offer a better, safer future for all women: protecting reproductive health, preventing sexual assault and abuse, standing up for immigrant women, and affirming women’s human rights. I look forward to working together to pass this crucial legislation and fight for women everywhere.”

"From Renee Good in Minnesota, to survivors of Epstein's abuse, to women across the country in need of reproductive care--every policy and budget passed by Congress must affirm their right to live safe, healthy lives," said DWC Reproductive Health Care Task Force Co-Chair & Liaison Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). "As a survivor and someone who first ran for office to protect and uplift women and girls, I am proud to support the DWC in this agenda and continue this work in Congress today."

“Women’s safety is not optional, it is a moral obligation. From sexual violence to gun violence to emergency response failures, too many systems are still failing women and survivors. That’s why I introduced the 911 SAVES Act, the Stealthing Act, the Consent Is Key Act, and the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act, to close dangerous gaps in the law and put survivors, consent, and accountability first,” said DWC New Dem Coalition Liaison Norma Torres (CA-35A). "As we mark one year of the Trump administration, we recommit to protecting women in every community, including those threatened by ICE and other abuses of power, and to standing with survivors, especially the Epstein survivors who deserve justice, dignity, and to be believed. A better future for women means real action, and I will not stop fighting to deliver it.”

“The Better Future Agenda is the foundation for successful, happy lives that families across this country are demanding. I'm proud that my pieces of legislation to combat human trafficking and to ban assault weapons are part of this effort as we fight to protect the most vulnerable," said DWC Congressional Black Caucus Liaison Lucy McBath (GA-06). "As a Caucus, we are standing with survivors and holding perpetrators accountable so that we can save lives. I'm grateful to the Democratic Women’s Caucus leadership for their strong work in standing up for American families and charting a safer path forward."

"Every woman and girl has a right to feel safe wherever they are — whether at home, school, the workplace, taking transportation, shopping, or enjoying a night out. DWC is fighting for women every day, and this legislative slate is a reflection of that commitment in action. I’m proud to lead multiple bills in the Women’s Safety Better Future Legislative Slate that strengthen protections for women and girls, support survivors of domestic violence and stalking, ensure women can feel safe and comfortable seeking medical care and  exams, and prevent the depletion of critical funding for victim service providers who are on the front lines of this work every day,” said DWC Senate Liaison and Caregiving Task Force Co-Chair Debbie Dingell (MI-06).

“As leader of both the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Democratic Women’s Caucus, I am outraged by the Trump administration’s constant threats to the safety of women, our democracy, and Latino communities. These threats must stop now,” said DWC Congressional Hispanic Caucus Liaison Andrea Salinas (OR-06). “I am proud to support this slate of bills that would ensure women and immigrant communities have the same level of protection as every other American citizen.”"

“This legislative slate reaffirms a simple truth: women deserve to be safe in their homes, their communities, and their interactions with the federal government," said DWC Equality Caucus Liaison Julie Johnson (TX-32). "As we mark one year of the Trump administration, the Democratic Women’s Caucus is reaffirming our commitment to protect survivors, stand with Epstein survivors, and confront the real and growing threats women face, including abuses by rogue ICE agents that we are seeing around the country. The killing of Renee Good and the attacks on women across the country demand action, accountability, and leadership. This slate reflects our commitment to deliver all three.”

“Under this administration, women are being put at risk every day. Over the past year, I’ve seen it creep—and sometimes storm—into every part of our lives. The DWC is fighting back. We know Trump’s war on workers is a war on women; when workplace protections are stripped away, and safety is ignored, it is women who often pay the price. I’ve seen my district through the brutal and cruel treatment of women in ICE facilities, the pain so many of us feel watching Renee Nicole Good killed, and this administration’s constant lies about the brave Epstein survivors. Let’s be clear, these are not separate failures. They are connected, and the natural endpoint for a president who tells women, through his actions, that they don’t matter,” said Rep. McIver. “I will keep fighting, shoulder to shoulder with the women of the DWC, for women across this country to be safe at work, in their own neighborhoods, and in all of our communities,” said DWC New Member Liaison LaMonica McIver (NJ-10).

“This past year has been marked by chaos, cruelty, and reckless disregard for human life. Women, Black and brown folks, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and survivors have especially paid the price for this administration’s lawlessness. From attacks by ICE agents to shielding Epstein’s co-conspirators, we are witnessing what happens when cruelty is treated as policy and accountability is nowhere to be found. Women deserve to feel safe in their homes, in their neighborhoods, and when they seek help, can do so without fear and without exception. I will always stand shoulder to shoulder with those who have faced injustice, and I will keep fighting for real community safety, real accountability, and real justice for our communities,” said DWC member Summer Lee (PA-12).

"We have always known that President Trump does not care for women, especially Black women, but his attacks against our safety and wellbeing one year into his second presidency have been relentless and cruel. He protects pedophiles, escalates gun and domestic violence, strips reproductive freedoms, and sanctions ICE and DHS brutality," said DWC member Robin Kelly (IL-02). "I will continue to fight back, including my push for impeachment against Secretary Kristi Noem. This Trump administration should know by now that the Democratic Women's Caucus does not back down—we hit back with stronger policies, advocacy, and action."

“At a time when women and women’s rights are under attack in this country, we must work together to keep women safe and that starts here in the Democratic Women’s Caucus,” said DWC member Angie Craig (MN-02). “As a Representative for Minnesota, I have seen firsthand mothers being ripped from their children, special education teachers being detained at their schools and constitutional observers being terrorized – and in the case of Renee Good, being killed – by ICE agents. It’s unacceptable and it’s a reminder of the importance of this work. It’s going to take all of us coming together to protect women in our communities and standing up to the Trump Administration’s continued attacks on our constitutional rights.”

“Women should feel safe no matter where they are – in their homes, at the doctor’s office, or out in their communities. The Democratic Women’s Caucus Women’s Safety Legislative Slate reflects our shared commitment to protecting survivors and strengthening safeguards that prevent abuse and exploitation. I’m proud to include my Protect Patients from Healthcare Abuse Act, which establishes clear, nationwide standards to protect patients during sensitive medical examinations and procedures. This legislation is about dignity, consent, and accountability, and it makes clear that women’s safety is a fundamental right,” said DWC member Lori Trahan (MA-03).

“I’m proud that my bipartisan Safe and Affordable Transit Act is included in this critical effort to advance women’s safety. Whether it’s going to the doctor, the grocery store, or to work, everyone deserves to feel safe on public transit. This bill makes that possible by investing in commonsense protections for riders and transit workers alike that we know actually work,” said DWC member Laura Friedman (CA-30). “This package reflects our commitment to protecting women in every part of their lives, in their homes, communities, and on their commutes.”

“Women have a fundamental right to safety, dignity, and justice in every part of their lives,” said DWC member Doris Matsui (CA-07). “Through my work on the Cruise Passengers Protection Act, I am committed to ensuring that women are protected, believed, and have real avenues for accountability when harm occurs. As we mark one year under an administration that has too often failed women, this caucus reaffirms our responsibility to confront violence wherever it happens and to stand with survivors as we fight for a safer future.”

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