Dem Women’s Caucus Calls for Investments to Help Women and Families in 2027 Appropriations

DWC Letter Urges Appropriations Committee to Center Women and Families in FY 2027 Funding Process

Washington, April 8, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), DWC Vice Chairs Hillary Scholten (MI-03) and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Policy Task Force Co-Chairs Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and Deborah Ross (NC-02) sent a letter to U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (OK-04) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) urging the Committee to center women and families in the FY 2027 appropriations process. In their letter, DWC members call for specific policies and robust funding for programs throughout the federal government that help women and families thrive.

The letter focuses on policies and funding that support DWC’s Better Future Agenda. 

  • Economic Security: Members call for support of nutrition programs including SNAP and WIC, funding programs for women workers at the Women’s Bureau, and funding for child and family care grants. 

  • Health Care: Members call for the protection of abortion care, more funding for women’s health, and support for global health.

  • Safety: Members call for increased funding for programs that support sexual assault and domestic violence survivors, and protections for immigrant women.

In their letter, the Members explain why it is critical to invest in programs that support women and families to deliver real economic security, broaden access to comprehensive health care, and protect communities across the country:

“We, the leadership of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, respectfully urge the Committee on Appropriations to prioritize investments in Fiscal Year 2027 that meaningfully support women and families across every stage of life. These investments will deliver real economic security, broaden access to comprehensive health care, and protect communities across the country. Women deserve an economy that works for them, affordable health care that centers their needs, and safe communities where justice prevails. We urge our Republican colleagues to join us in advancing meaningful results for women and families. Together, we can stand up for the American people and protect the programs and resources that ensure women and families can meet their basic needs and build a secure future.”

The Members conclude their letter by urging the Committee to join DWC in championing policies that enrich the lives of women and families across the country:

“We encourage the Committee to join us in advancing these and other critical investments so that all women have equitable access to the resources, pathways, and stability necessary to thrive in our economy and society. These priorities represent only a portion of the federal support required for women in FY27, and we remain committed to championing policies that enrich the lives of women and families across the country.”

Read the full letter to the Appropriations Committee here.

Background:

Appropriations bills, spearheaded by twelve subcommittees of the U.S. House of Representatives, are pieces of legislation that allow federal agencies to spend money from the U.S. Treasury for specific purposes. After both chambers of Congress pass an appropriations bill, it is sent to the President for approval. If signed, it becomes law and provides funding authority.

The Democratic Women’s Caucus has historically advocated for policies that center women and families in government funding packages throughout the appropriations process. 

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