Caucus Democratic Women's RSS Articles

DWC Members Demand Trump Admin Restore & Expand Funding for Women’s Health Research

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Tuesday, June 30, 40 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC), led by Policy Task Force Co-Chairs Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) sent a letter to President Trump, HHS Secretary Kennedy, and NIH Director Bhattacharya, expressing continued concern with the administration's failure to address cuts to women’s health research and restrictions on research grants that use terms such as “women” and “female.” In 2025, the number of women’s health research projects decreased by 31%. The letter urges the administration to restore and prioritize funding for women’s health research, remove restrictions on the use of terms related to women in NIH-funded research, and recommit to advancing research that improves women’s health outcomes.

Today’s letter is the latest of a series of oversight measures from DWC to restore and expand women’s health research following attacks from the Trump administration. In April 2025, DWC sent an oversight letter that called on the Trump administration to stop attacking women’s health research. Additionally, last year, after pressure from the DWC, the Department of Health and Human Services restored funding for the Women's Health Initiative. However, NIH funding at-large and university-based research is still being attacked by Trump. Last fall, DWC members hosted a hearing in North Carolina on some of the tangible ways these cuts have impacted breast cancer research.

This letter also follows the release of the DWC’s Healthcare Legislative Slate, a package of bills that fulfill our commitment to building a healthier, more equitable future for all—including a future with more investments in women’s health research.

In their letter, DWC members called out the Trump administration for compromising 30 years of much-needed progress to expand women’s health research.

“Your administration single-handedly compromised over 30 years of steady progress to bolster women’s health research. While funding was restored to the Women’s Health Initiative after our advocacy and the courts stepped in to address the NIH research funding cap, your administration has not taken meaningful action to address the larger trend of threatening to defund existing and ongoing women’s health-related research, specifically due to the list of banned words. As a result, the number of women’s health research projects decreased by 31% in 2025.”

The Members closed their letter by imploring the administration to prioritize women’s health research and clearly and immediately remove the ban on ‘women’ and ‘females’ in NIH-funded research:

“Women constitute half the population and utilize healthcare more than men. Yet, women’s health research remains under-researched and under-addressed. The treatments and care that women receive are based on research on predominantly men. Gutting women’s health research does not make Americans healthier; rather, it’s a clear threat to women’s lives. It is past time for your administration to prioritize women’s health research and clearly and immediately remove the ban on ‘women’ and ‘females’ in NIH-funded research.”

Read the full letter here.

In addition to letter leads Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Deborah Ross, the letter was signed by Yassamin Ansari, Joyce Beatty, Julia Brownley, Kathy Castor, Judy Chu, Jasmine Crockett, Debbie Dingell, Sarah Elfreth, Laura Friedman, Sylvia Garcia, Adelita Grijalva, Pramila Jayapal, Julie Johnson, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Robin Kelly, Summer Lee, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Betty McCollum, LaMonica McIver, Analilia Mejia, Nancy Pelosi, Brittany Pettersen, Chellie Pingree, Nellie Pou, Ayanna Pressley, Emily Randall, Deborah Ross, Andrea Salinas, Mary Gay Scanlon, Janice Schakowsky, Lateefah Simon, Melanie Stansbury, Haley Stevens, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Lori Trahan, Nydia Velázquez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams, and Frederica Wilson.

DWC Leadership Renews the Fight to Restore Reproductive Health Care on the Anniversary of Dobbs

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, marks four years since Trump’s Supreme Court ruled on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade and stripping the right to abortion care from the American people. Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Vice Chairs Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Hillary Scholten (MI-03) issued the following statement, renewing their commitment to restore, protect, and expand reproductive healthcare for all:

“Since the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision ripped away the right to abortion healthcare, women across the country have bled to death in hospital parking lots, become septic or infertile, and carried unwanted pregnancies against their will because Republicans' abortion bans denied them lifesaving care. These bans aren’t just deadly, they’re deeply unpopular. Time and time again, Americans have made it clear: Women deserve to make their own decisions about abortion without governmental interference.

That’s why the Democratic Women’s Caucus is fighting for a better future where every woman has access to the reproductive healthcare she needs. We’re spearheading legislation to restore the right to abortion care for all, end discriminatory coverage bans, and make sure every person has access to the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare wherever they live and work. We'll never stop fighting until that vision for a better future becomes a reality, and until every woman has the freedom to make her own healthcare decisions and access the care she needs.”

BACKGROUND:

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court issued its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and struck down the constitutional right to abortion. This decision deprived millions of women of access to abortion care, with full bans or severe restrictions in 25 states.

The lack of national-level protection for reproductive healthcare has led to state-level attacks on reproductive care and abortion access, including attacks on access to telehealth and medication abortion. Additionally, the Trump administration has continued to attack reproductive care broadly since Dobbs. Their One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law, stripped funding from health centers, shuttering clinics and disproportionately impacted low-income women and women of color.

The result of these ongoing attacks is a confusing patchwork of laws and enormous barriers to both women seeking access to care and to providers. Doctors are threatened with criminal penalties for providing routine, evidence-based medical care. Patients must travel further and face dangerous delays in accessing care. Both Dobbs and more recent attacks continue to limit the agency and rights of those seeking reproductive care.

However, in the face of these attacks, Democratic Members in Congress, led by the Democratic Women’s Caucus and Reproductive Freedom Caucus (RFC) are spearheading the fight to restore, protect, and expand reproductive healthcare. As part of the DWC’s mission to build a better future for every woman, we have engaged in work in Washington D.C. and districts across the country to defend women and girls from the Trump administration’s efforts to curtail reproductive rights.

Over the last year, DWC urged the Administration to rescind its Proposed Rule to ban abortion care for veterans, called for them to fund Title X grants, and urged that Trump and Republicans make investments to protect women’s healthcare in their Appropriations process. DWC also spotlighted Republicans’ attacks on reproductive healthcare at a hearing hosted in partnership with RFC and Democratic leadership. DWC members continue to introduce and push for a variety of legislation to restore, protect, and expand reproductive healthcare.

For information on your reproductive rights, please visit RFC “Know Your Rights” resources here.

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Democratic Women’s Caucus Unveils Women’s Healthcare Legislative Slate on Dobbs Anniversary

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Wednesday, June 24, 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 Healthcare Legislative Slate. The second of a series of legislative packages corresponding to DWC’s Better Future Agenda, the Women’s Healthcare Slate is a diverse set of bills grounded in one goal: a future where all women and families have affordable, accessible healthcare.

This slate comes at a critical moment. Today, Wednesday June 24, is the four year anniversary of the Dbbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and struck down the constitutional right to abortion. This decision deprived millions of women of access to abortion care, with full bans or severe restrictions in 25 states. Since the start of the second Trump administration, the President and congressional Republicans have continued and expanded attacks on healthcare to include the largest ever cuts to Medicaid, devastating blows to Medicare, attacks on women’s health research, defunding Planned Parenthood, withholding funds for Title X clinics, and the devastation of our country’s critical rural hospitals.

Women across this country deserve better. That’s why Democratic Women’s Caucus members are demanding a future that protects and expands reproductive healthcare; lowers the cost of prescription drugs and healthcare coverage; addresses the maternal mortality crisis; invests in mental health and substance use treatment; provides healthcare for immigrant women and girls; confronts racial and gender disparities in healthcare outcomes; and defends Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act.

Read here a slate of bills led by DWC members that we are pushing forward to fulfill our commitment to building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

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

“The Democratic Women’s Caucus is fighting against Trump and Republicans’ attacks to strip healthcare from women and families. We are championing a Better Future where every woman has access to the healthcare she needs,” said DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “Our Better Future Agenda is not just our vision for the future—it is a legislative plan. It reflects the diverse expertise of DWC’s members and includes very specific policies that we are ready to make reality. These bills would create a future where every mom can afford healthcare for her kid, every patient has access to treatments developed for women's health, and every young woman can make decisions about her own body and her own future without government interference. We look forward to the work ahead to pass these bills into law and our continued work to make accessible, affordable healthcare available to every woman and family in every corner of our nation.”

"Under Trump, women’s health care is under unprecedented attack by those who neither share our experiences nor bear the consequences of these actions," said DWC Policy Task Force Co-Chair Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37). "The Better Future Legislative Slate is a direct response to the recent assaults on reproductive freedom, maternal health services, and health care funding. I’m proud that the Limiting ICE’s National Encroachment Act, my bill to prevent federal agencies from sharing medical data with ICE for immigration enforcement purposes, has been included in this fight. DWC is advancing a healthier, more equitable future where women—not Republican men—have the power to make decisions about our own bodies, families, and livelihoods.”

“Four years after Dobbs, women are facing the consequences of a relentless campaign to roll back their healthcare and reproductive freedom—in North Carolina and across the country,” said DWC Policy Task Force Co-Chair Deborah Ross (NC-02). “From abortion bans and threats to contraception access to attacks on Medicaid and women’s health research, Republicans continue to insert politics into deeply personal healthcare decisions. The Democratic Women’s Caucus is offering a different path forward. Our Women’s Healthcare Slate is a comprehensive agenda to lower healthcare costs, tackle the maternal mortality crisis, strengthen access to reproductive care, and ensure every woman can get the care she needs, regardless of where she lives or how much she earns.”

“Four years after Dobbs, women across our country continue to face attacks on their reproductive freedom and barriers to the healthcare they need. That is why I am fighting to combat abortion misinformation through the Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation Act, reaffirm that emergency abortion care is protected under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, improve infant food safety through the INFANTS Act, expand access to nutritious foods through the Food Farmacy Act, and strengthen our behavioral health workforce through the Mental Health Improvement Act. Women deserve accurate information, affordable care, and the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions, and I will continue working to build a healthier future for women and families in Ohio and across the country,” said DWC Vice Chair Emilia Sykes (OH-13).

“As the first woman to represent Michigan's Third District, I've seen firsthand the cost of underrepresentation. Nowhere is that clearer than in medical research, which is why I'm working to close these gaps in our understanding of women's health," said DWC Vice Chair Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03). “My bill in this package, the Hormone Health Data and Research Act, directs NIH and HHS to study hormone variability and testing in women experiencing perimenopause—a condition that affects millions but has not received the research dollars it deserves. Women deserve healthcare guided by evidence, and that starts with investing in the research we've neglected for far too long.”

"Access to all forms of healthcare in the military—including abortion—is about freedom. Our military families sacrifice so much for us, yet too many of my colleagues have decided that members of our armed forces should not have something as fundamental as bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom," said DWC Servicewomen, Women Veterans, and Military Families Task Force Chair Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). "Access to abortion is also a matter of military readiness. To be ready to fight tomorrow's wars, we must recruit and retain the brightest minds and fiercest fighters this country has to offer."

DWC Member Services Task Force Co-Chair Sara Jacobs (CA-51) said, “It is unbelievable that we are still arguing over a woman's right to health care in 2026, but we have no choice. Republicans at every level of government are actively trying to take us back to a time when women could not make decisions about their own bodies. They are slashing funding for research related to women’s health and reproductive care, attacking rights to contraception, and criminalizing life-saving reproductive health care services. That is why we need legislation like what’s included in this slate: to guarantee women the right to accessible, equitable healthcare.”

“Four years after Roe v. Wade was overturned, Republicans have not relented in their attacks on women’s abortion care and reproductive freedom. Across the country, and especially in states like Texas, women are facing the dangerous reality that their health care decisions are increasingly being dictated by politicians, not patients and their doctors. From efforts to restrict reproductive health care to policies that threaten women’s fundamental rights and freedoms, Republicans continue to use the power of government to exert control over women’s lives. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in the Democratic Women’s Caucus to defend, restore, and expand the rights and freedoms that every woman in this country deserves,” said DWC Equality Caucus Liaison Julie Johnson (TX-32).

“Four years after Dobbs, the damage is undeniable. Trump’s extremist Supreme Court opened the door to attacks on contraception, abortion care, and maternal health—and Black women have paid the highest price. But we are not going backward. I’m proud that seven of my bills are included in the Democratic Women’s Caucus legislative slate because restoring reproductive freedom means more than overturning Dobbs—it means guaranteeing access to care, confronting the Black maternal health crisis, and treating reproductive rights as human rights. We will keep fighting until every person has the freedom to make decisions about their own body, family, and future,” said DWC Chief Whip Nikema Williams (GA-05).

“At a time when women’s health is blatantly under attack, the Democratic Women’s Caucus is fighting for the healthy, safe, and equitable future that every woman deserves,” said DWC Reproductive Health Care Task Force Co-Chair and Liaison Judy Chu (CA-28). “While the Trump Administration continues to undermine reproductive health care, women’s health research, and access to Medicare and Medicaid, I am introducing legislation to restore women’s right to choose and expand women’s healthcare coverage. Together with my colleagues in the Democratic Women’s Caucus, we will fight to pass this Better Future Agenda.”

“Four years after the Dobbs decision stripped away the fundamental right of women across the country to make decisions about their own bodies, women across America continue to face relentless attacks on their health care, bodily autonomy, and basic rights,” said DWC Member Services Task Force Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “The DWC is fighting back to ensure every woman can access the care they deserve. That's why I am proud to stand with the Democratic Women's Caucus to advance legislation that protects women's health and strengthens maternal healthcare.”

"At a time when health coverage is under attack, women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer cannot afford arbitrary waiting periods and barriers to care. Instead of dealing with red tape and mounting medical bills, patients should be able access the benefits they've earned when they need them most. My bipartisan Metastatic Breast Cancer Act would provide immediate access to Medicare and SSDI benefits for individuals living with metastatic breast cancer, eliminating barriers that prevent patients from receiving the support they deserve," said DWC member Kathy Castor (FL-14).

“Women’s healthcare has long been marginalized and relegated to the medical research sidelines, but the disastrous Dobbs decision four years ago reminds us that even the right to fundamental control of our own body is at stake,” said DWC member Wasserman Schultz (FL-25). “Throughout my career, I’ve fought non-stop to protect the health, safety, and well-being of women and girls, from passing my EARLY Act to educate young women about the risks of breast cancer, to ensuring women veterans, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, get the healthcare they deserve at VA. I’ll keep up the pressure with my DWC colleagues until women receive the healthcare they deserve."

“It’s been four years since the Dobbs decision, and the consequences are devastating. We must protect and expand reproductive healthcare and give decision-making back to patients and providers, not politicians. Women need accessible, affordable, and supportive reproductive and maternal care, and I'm grateful that this package includes my legislation to stand up against high healthcare costs and disinformation,” said DWC member Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1).

“Since the Supreme Court stripped away the constitutional right to abortion in Dobbs, women are paying the price in a healthcare system that too often ignores their needs, pain, and safety. I'm proud to fight back alongside the Democratic Women's Caucus by coleading the Healthy Hair Act, which would ban hair straightening and smoothing products that contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen found in products disproportionately marketed to Black and Latina women. From reproductive freedom to the products in our homes, we will not stop fighting until every woman can live a healthy, dignified life,” said DWC member Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07).

“Donald Trump, his administration, and his allies in Congress make our country less safe for women and girls on an almost daily basis. We need to use every tool at our disposal to fight back,” said DWC member Becca Balint (VT-AL). “Today, on the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, I’m proud to be standing alongside my colleagues in the Democratic Women’s Caucus to introduce these bills that protect access to life-saving healthcare. I’m pleased that it includes my Stop Comstock Act, which would stop Republicans from using an arcane law from the 1800s to bypass Congress and enact a national abortion ban. It couldn’t be clearer: the time for action is now."

“For too long, women's health has been an afterthought and women's safety has been treated as someone else's problem. The Democratic Women’s Caucus legislative slate says not anymore. My HEADACHE Act finally invests in the millions of people, most of them women, living with chronic migraine and headache disorders that have gone underfunded and overlooked for decades. My Protect Patients from Healthcare Abuse Act makes sure that when a woman walks into an exam room, she walks out safe. I'm proud to stand with my Democratic Women's Caucus colleagues to unveil this slate, and I look forward to advancing these bills to improve women's lives across the country,” said DWC member Lori Trahan (MA-03).

“The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade unleashed a coordinated assault on reproductive freedom that continues to endanger the health and lives of millions of women across our nation. With abortion banned or severely restricted in 20 states, many concentrated in the South, women are being denied access to essential health care that should remain a decision between a patient and their doctor, not one dictated by political agendas or extremist ideologies. We must reject these relentless attacks on fundamental rights and continue fighting to ensure that every woman has the freedom, dignity, and autonomy to make decisions about her own body,” said DWC member and Black Women & Girls Caucus Co-Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09).

“Women’s healthcare—including abortion access, maternal care, drug costs, and clinical trials—should be prioritized and centered in federal policy,” said DWC member Robin Kelly (IL-02). “As the legislator who brought the issue of maternal mortality to Congress, I’m focused on ensuring all moms, no matter the color of their skin or where they live, receive the care they need and deserve to thrive. I’m proud to be a member of the Democratic Women’s Caucus as we present a united front to improving healthcare for women.”

“I have spent my career fighting for women’s healthcare, and I am proud to see all of the ideas to lower costs and improve quality of life that Democrats are bringing to the table,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03). “The American people are tired of paying more and more for healthcare under President Trump. My bills in this slate would help women across the country who have struggled to access the services they need: the Access to Fertility Treatment and Care Act, which would support fertility treatment, and the Find It Early Act, which would require insurance coverage for screening and diagnostic breast imaging with no out-of-pocket costs. I am also proud to support this entire slate, which would take direct aim at the high cost of healthcare that is holding American families back.”

“Four years after the Dobbs decision, women veterans are still facing political attacks on their reproductive freedom,” said DWC member Julia Brownley (CA-26). “This comprehensive Healthcare Slate would protect and strengthen access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care services for veterans, including contraception, infertility treatment, menopause care, and abortion care. Women veterans deserve access to a full spectrum of reproductive health care services and the freedom to make their own health care decisions in consultation with their doctors, not politicians. As attacks on reproductive rights continue, we must ensure that veterans can access the care, services, and support they have earned through their service to our nation.”

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DWC Members Blast Trump Admin for Abandoning Title IX Protections for Student Survivors

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 36 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) led by DWC members Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) sent a letter to Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon calling out the Department of Education’s failure to enforce Title IX protections for students who have been sexually harassed, sexual assaulted, and faced other forms of sex discrimination.

Since the start of the second Trump administration, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which is in charge of handling student discrimination, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment claims, has not entered into a single resolution agreement addressing sexual harassment or sexual violence, despite hundreds of pending cases involving student survivors. Last week, the Trump administration announced they would move the OCR outside of the Department of Education entirely—further evidence of the administration’s failure to prioritize any resolution, accountability, or justice for women and girls.

The Members’ letter argues that the Department of Education must prioritize the investigation and resolution of complaints, restore resources dedicated to Title IX enforcement, end politically motivated investigations, and provide Congress with detailed information about its handling of Title IX cases and enforcement activities.

In their letter, the Members express outrage that the OCR has not entered into a single resolution agreement addressing sexual assault or harassment in schools.

“As members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, we are outraged that since the start of the second Trump administration, the Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Education (OCR) has not entered into a single resolution agreement addressing sexual assault or harassment in schools. Instead, this administration is wasting taxpayer dollars pursuing immaterial politically motivated investigations while failing vulnerable students, including survivors of sexual assault or violence. We urge you to cease baseless investigations and demonstrate immediate progress in effectively resolving all pending OCR cases to deliver real enforceable legal protection for students facing discrimination based on their sex.”

The Members also explained that the Trump administration has deliberately reduced the capacity of the OCR to handle these complaints by placing investigators on leave without plans to hand off their cases.

“Your failure to enforce Title IX protections for millions of women and girls is deliberate and indefensible. In March 2025, the Trump administration placed 299 OCR employees—nearly half the agency’s entire workforce—on paid administrative leave and closed seven of OCR’s 12 regional offices, barring investigators from doing their jobs. According to the Government Accountability Office, this decision cost taxpayers up to $38 million in salaries paid to investigators who were prohibited from working. To this day, the Department has not explained to Congress how many investigators have returned to work, what caseloads they now carry, or how OCR plans to address the backlog it created.”

The Members closed the letter by calling on the Department of Education to prioritize Title IX enforcement of actual cases of sex discrimination.

“Protecting students’ civil rights is your fundamental responsibility as the Secretary of Education, and instead of using your authority to provide justice to survivors, you are weaponizing it against vulnerable students. That is shameful. We call on you to take immediate action to increase the resources focused on Title IX enforcement of actual and pending cases of sex discrimination and cease baseless directed investigations against schools or colleges.”

Read the full letter here.

In addition to letter leads Suzanne Bonamici and Adelita Grijalva, the letter was signed by Yassamin Ansari, Joyce Beatty, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Judy Chu, Jasmine Crockett, Diana DeGette, Debbie Dingell, Veronica Escobar, Sylvia Garcia, Adelita Grijalva, Jahana Hayes, Pramila Jayapal, Julie Johnson, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Summer Lee, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Doris Matsui, Lucy McBath, LaMonica McIver, Brittany Pettersen, Chellie Pingree, Nellie Pou, Emily Randall, Deborah Ross, Andrea Salinas, Janice Schakowsky, Terri Sewell, Lateefah Simon, Emilia Sykes, Jill Tokuda, Lori Trahan, Nydia Velázquez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams, and Frederica Wilson.

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DWC Members Demand HHS Withdraw Harmful Head Start Rule

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, June 11, 38 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) led by DWC Caregiving Task Force Co-Chairs Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12), DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), and DWC member Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in opposition to HHS’s proposed rule (RIN 0970-AD21) (“the proposed rule”), which would repeal higher wages and expanded benefits for Head Start workers established in 2024. The letter urges HHS to withdraw the proposed rule and instead prioritize funding to strengthen Head Start and support childcare workers, families, and children.

Head Start is a critical program that allows parents to go to school or work while their child is in a high-quality learning environment. The letter emphasizes that the proposed rule, which would weaken Head Start, would worsen the nation’s childcare crisis, push more women out of the workforce, and harm economic growth. It would also disproportionately impact women, who make up nearly the entire Head Start teaching workforce.

In their letter, the Members explain that Head Start is a critical program that is essential to helping families access childcare amidst a national shortage:

“Childcare is an essential, high-demand service that is increasingly inaccessible for many families. Childcare programs are experiencing widespread closures across the country, hindering families’ ability to achieve financial security and fully participate in the economy. Nationwide 14.8 million children under age 5 may need childcare. Yet, only 10.8 million formal spots exist. Since its founding, Head Start has tried to fill that gap, serving around 40 million children and their families. However, Head Start remains underfunded and unable to fully meet the growing need. These factors made the lack of access to affordable childcare the leading reason women left the workforce in 2025. When women and caregivers leave the workforce, it costs the economy $172 billion in lost earnings annually. Proposed rule (RIN 0980-AD21) will further limit the number of formal childcare spots and add to economic losses as women continue to be pushed out of the workforce.”

The Members also underscore that the proposed rule is just the latest in an onslaught of attacks on America’s childcare system:

“This proposed rule is the latest in a series of attacks by this administration on our nation’s childcare infrastructure. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. childcare infrastructure has suffered from billions of dollars in funding delays under the Trump administration in 2025. In May, your Department finalized the proposed rule Restoring Flexibility in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) (RIN 0970-AD20), which overturned critical protections to keep childcare costs affordable for families. In January, Trump ordered the freeze—currently being disputed in the courts—of $10 billion in federal child care and family assistance funding for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York as the administration sends officials to investigate unsubstantiated claims of fraud. We refuse to stand by while your Department rips childcare and early childhood education away from women and families.”

The Members close by urging HHS to strike the proposed rule, and instead work to strengthen Head Start:

“Proposed rule (RIN 0970-AD21) does nothing to support working women, families, childcare workers, or early childhood education teachers. Rather, it will worsen our country’s failing childcare infrastructure, push women out of the workforce, and cost our economy billions. We remain committed to building an affordable future for all women and families, where childcare is not financially detrimental. That is why we strongly oppose proposed rule (RIN) 0970-AD20 and demand your Department prioritize funding for Head Start.”

Read the full letter here.

In addition to letter leads DWC Caregiving Task Force Co-Chairs Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12), DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), and DWC member Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), the letter was signed by Joyce Beatty, Julia Brownley, Judy Chu, Jasmine Crockett, Sarah Elfreth, Laura Friedman, Sylvia Garcia, Adelita Grijalva, Jahana Hayes, Pramila Jayapal, Julie Johnson, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Robin Kelly, Summer Lee, Doris Matsui, Lucy McBath, Sarah McBride, LaMonica McIver, Gwen Moore, Eleanor Norton, Nancy Pelosi, Chellie Pingree, Delia Ramirez, Deborah Ross, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sánchez, Hillary Scholten, Haley Stevens, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Lauren Underwood, Nydia Velázquez, and Frederica Wilson.

DWC; House Dems Urge Speaker Johnson to Remove Amendment that Shields Rideshare Companies From Liability for Sexual Assault

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, June 9, 2026 128 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) and House Democratic Caucus led by DWC Executive Steering Committee Member Debbie Dingell (MI-06) with co-leads DWC Vice Chairs and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Members Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Hillary Scholten (MI-03) and DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03) sent Speaker Johnson a letter urging him to remove a dangerous provision from the BUILD America 250 Act that would likely shield rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, from liability when passengers are sexually assaulted, injured, or killed during their rides.

Opening the door for Uber and Lyft to receive a liability shield is likely to disproportionately harm women and girls. It would also reduce available recourse for survivors of crashes, sexual assaults, and other incidents that occur when using rideshare services. The letter argues Congress should strengthen rideshare safety protections and corporate accountability—not create pathways for immunity for multibillion-dollar corporations amid ongoing reports of sexual assault tied to rideshare platforms. The Members demand that Speaker Johnson must remove this provision from the BUILD America 250 Act before the bill moves to the House floor.

In their letter, the Members explain that rideshare companies’ failures to adequately adopt policies to protect passengers and drivers from sexual misconduct are well-documented and chilling:

“Since the beginning of 2026 alone, Uber has been found liable for two separate sexual assault cases involving drivers, including cases in Arizona and North Carolina. Publicly reported safety data has also shown alarming rates of sexual assault and misconduct reports tied to rideshare platforms. These ongoing incidents demonstrate why Congress should be strengthening oversight, improving transparency, and encouraging stronger safety protocols, rather than clearing the path for unprecedented liability shields for multibillion-dollar corporations.”

The Members also argue that survivors must have the right to hold companies accountable when corporate failures contribute to preventable harm:

“The bill as amended sets the stage for corporations to be shielded from liability when passengers who allege sexual assault, are seriously injured, or are killed when using rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft. As this Congress engages in a bipartisan effort to reform our own practices to keep women safe from sexual misconduct, it is unthinkable that we create pathways to immunity for corporations if sexual assault or other harm occurs when using their services. In addition, the amendment would likely be interpreted to preempt longstanding state liability laws so that a rideshare company cannot be held liable if a driver harms a passenger. This creates not only an extraordinarily high legal threshold for victims to pursue accountability, but also discourages companies from taking necessary steps to keep passengers safe. While supporters claim the amendment would reduce transportation costs and curb frivolous litigation, in practice it would hamstring the rights of survivors to hold companies accountable when harm occurs because of failures to implement reasonable safety measures, adequately vet drivers, monitor dangerous conduct, or respond appropriately to complaints…Survivors deserve the right to hold companies accountable when corporate failures contribute to preventable harm.”

Read the full letter here.

In addition to letter leads Debbie Dingell, Members Emilia Sykes and Hillary Scholten, and DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernandez, the letter was signed by Gabe Amo, Jake Auchincloss, Becca Balint, Nanette Barragán, Joyce Beatty, Wesley Bell, Suzanne Bonamici, Brendan Boyle, Julia Brownley, Shontel Brown, Nikki Budzinski, Janelle Bynum, Salud Carbajal, André Carson, Troy Carter, Greg Casar, Kathy Castor, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Emanuel Cleaver, Angie Craig, Jasmine Crockett, Danny Davis, Madeleine Dean, Diana DeGette, Rosa DeLauro, Suzan DelBene, Christopher Deluzio, Maxine Dexter, Lloyd Doggett, Sarah Elfreth, Veronica Escobar, Lizzie Fletcher, Bill Foster, Valerie Foushee, Lois Frankel, Laura Friedman, John Garamendi, Jesús García, Robert Garcia, Sylvia Garcia, Daniel Goldman, Maggie Goodlander, Adelita Grijalva, Jahana Hayes, Pablo Hernández, Chrissy Houlahan, Val Hoyle, Jared Huffman, Glenn Ivey, Jonathan Jackson, Pramila Jayapal, Julie Johnson, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Ro Khanna, Summer Lee, Susie Lee, Ted Lieu, Zoe Lofgren, Seth Magaziner, Lucy McBath, Sarah McBride, April McClain Delaney, Jennifer McClellan, Morgan McGarvey, James McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Analilia Mejia, Grace Meng, Dave Min, Gwen Moore, Kelly Morrison, Frank Mrvan, Kevin Mullin, Jerrold Nadler, Joe Neguse, Eleanor Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Johnny Olszewski, Ilhan Omar, Jimmy Panetta, Chris Pappas, Nancy Pelosi, Brittany Pettersen, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Delia Ramirez, Emily Randall, Jamie Raskin, Luz Rivas, Deborah Ross, Raul Ruiz, Patrick Ryan, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sánchez, Mary Gay Scanlon, Janice Schakowsky, Bradley Schneider, Robert Scott, Terri Sewell, Lateefah Simon, Eric Sorensen, Melanie Stansbury, Greg Stanton, Haley Stevens, Marilyn Strickland, Shri Thanedar, Mike Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Paul Tonko, Norma Torres, Lori Trahan, Derek Tran, Lauren Underwood, Gabe Vasquez, Marc Veasey, Nydia Velázquez, James Walkinshaw, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams, and Frederica Wilson.

ICYMI: DWC Honored Servicewomen & Veterans After Trump Prohibited Military From Participating in Annual Ceremony

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) led by DWC Vice Chair Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted a press conference to honor fallen servicewomen, servicewomen, and women veterans. The event replaced the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus’ 28th Annual Women In Military Service Wreath Laying Ceremony, historically held at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreath laying ceremony was canceled this year because several military branches declined to participate, citing Executive Order 14185 from President Trump and guidance from the Department of Defense entitled “Identity Months Dead at DOD” that they say barred the military from attending an event that honors women.

Our servicewomen risk everything to serve our country. To be met with anything other than respect and honor is a disgrace. At the press conference, Members spoke on the importance of recognizing women veterans and servicemembers for their dedication and sacrifice.

Members of Congress who spoke at the press conference included DWC Vice Chair Emilia Sykes (OH-13), DWC Vice Chair Hillary Scholten (MI-03), DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Air Force veteran & DWC Servicewomen, Women Veterans, and Military Families Task Force Co-Chair Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and DWC members Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), who is also a veteran. Kayla Williams, a Vet Voice Senior Policy Advisor and an Army veteran, and Meredith Burns, a local Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Cavalry Member and veteran, also spoke.

At the event, DWC members paid tribute to fallen servicewomen and called out the importance of honoring and supporting servicewomen and women veterans:

"For nearly 30 years, this bipartisan wreath-laying ceremony has honored the service and sacrifice of America's women veterans. This year, military branches told us they could not participate because of President Trump's executive order and guidance issued by Secretary Hegseth's Department of Defense. The result was the cancellation of a ceremony dedicated to recognizing women who answered the call to serve. At a time when women veterans should be celebrated, the Trump-Hegseth Pentagon is sidelining them. We will continue to honor their service and speak out against efforts to diminish their contributions to our nation," said DWC Vice Chair Emila Sykes (OH-13).

“Our servicewomen risk everything to serve our country and for them to be met with anything other than respect and honor is an absolute disgrace. To every servicewoman and veteran, thank you for your service—we are forever grateful for your courage, sacrifice, and immense contributions to our country. Every day, I am proud to be a voice for you in Congress, and I will always fight for your equal treatment and respect,” DWC Vice Chair Hillary Scholten (MI-03) said in part.

“My Democratic Women’s Caucus colleagues—including those who served and those who honor those who served—are here today because we believe women in the military are a key strength to our national defense. We’re here because we will stand with them even when they’re not allowed to stand by the President, when they’re stripped of well-deserved promotions, and when they are not recognized for their courage and their intellect,” said DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “We will always be here for you because we know that this is not a partisan issue, it's a patriotic issue. Patriotism and honor for our country and for those who serve it is what has brought us all here today.”

"When did saying 'thank you' to women who have served become controversial? Women have answered every call this nation has asked of them. They have flown combat missions, commanded troops, cared for the wounded, gathered intelligence, and deployed into war zones alongside their male colleagues," said Air Force veteran and DWC Servicewomen, Women Veterans, and Military Families Task Force Co-Chair Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). "Honoring our servicemembers should never be viewed as a political statement. It should be one of the easiest things we do. Gratitude does not require an executive order or permission from political appointees in Washington, D.C."

"Our military is stronger because of the women who have worn the uniform and who have sworn an oath to this great Constitution – I saw it firsthand when I served in the Navy," said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02). "Their service is central to the story of our country and to the story of our military. No executive order, no president, could ever erase it."

Democratic Women’s Caucus Urges DHS to Reinstate Protections for Immigrant Survivors Immediately

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, June 1, 2026, 33 Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) members led by DWC Executive Steering Committee member Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and DWC member Gwen Moore (WI-04) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin urging him to immediately reinstate protections to help immigrant survivors escape abuse, stay safe, and seek justice without fear of deportation. This letter follows consistent abuse of immigrant survivors at the hands of ICE, including a harrowing report about a mother of two who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents after testifying against her ex-boyfriend for choking her until she lost consciousness then raping her. In the letter, the members also requested a meeting with Secretary Mullin to further discuss the importance of protecting survivors.

In the letter, the members explain that the Trump administration’s policies are continuing to put immigrant survivors at risk, despite demands from DWC that DHS act to protect them. The letter highlights multiple cases where ICE detained women after they sought help after abuse. This has created a chilling effect that prevents immigrant survivors from reporting violence, accessing health care, or seeking supportive services.

In the letter, DWC members explain that immigrant women are especially vulnerable to intimate partner violence because abusers often exploit survivors’ immigration status to maintain control and prevent them from seeking help:

“Immigrant women are especially vulnerable to intimate partner violence—experiencing intimate partner violence at a rate of 49%, which is three times the national average. This is in part because abusers can use survivors’ immigration status, to wield control, manipulating survivors not to report the abuse. In 2025, 75.6% of advocates reported that the immigrant survivors they help have concerns about contacting the police; 70.3% reported that immigrant survivors are concerned about going to court for a matter related to their abuser; and 50% reported that immigrant survivors chose not to report their abuser out of fear. The lack of reporting also means that abusers remain in our communities- making all of us less safe.”

The members also highlight that the Trump administration has weakened longstanding protections for immigrant survivors of domestic violence from the Violence Against Women Act:

“In December 2025, USCIS published updates to its Policy Manual that significantly weakened longstanding protections for immigrant survivors of domestic violence under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The new narrow the definitions of ‘battery and extreme cruelty,’ raise evidentiary burdens through a stricter interpretation of the ‘any credible evidence’ standard, and impose new good moral character guidelines that ignore the realities survivors face—including trauma's effect on memory, abusers’ control over documents, and language and cultural barriers. These changes reward abusers by making it harder for survivors to self-petition for relief which goes against the intent of VAWA. Without protections in place for survivors to report violence coupled with stories about enforcement actions at courthouses and other sensitive locations, immigrant survivors are left with no safe avenues to report their abuse.”

DWC members close the letter by calling on DHS to change policies that are protecting perpetrators:

“Your Department must re-evaluate their policies to ensure that immigrant women survivors of intimate partner violence and other crimes can seek safety without fear. Your Department is punishing victims rather than perpetrators, which contradicts your Department and the President’s stated priority to keep our communities safe and get violent offenders off our streets. Your policies are instead protecting violent offenders, leaving many women vulnerable, scared, with their safety at real risk. Effective enforcement depends on survivors being able to safely report crime. Congress created survivor-based protections to support law enforcement and] improve public safety. A victim-centered approach strengthens enforcement, increases accountability, and makes us all safer. The Democratic Women’s Caucus stands with all survivors, and we implore your Department to undo these dangerous immigration policies and restore protections that allow survivors to escape abuse and receive the resources they need to heal. They deserve to find support without the looming threat of deportation. As you assume your new position, we would like to request a meeting with you to discuss this issue further. We look forward to your timely response.”

Read the full letter here.

In addition to letter leads Debbie Dingell and Gwen Moore, the letter was signed by Yassamin Ansari, Nanette Barragán, Joyce Beatty, Julia Brownley, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Jasmine Crockett, Lois Frankel, Sylvia Garcia, Adelita Grijalva, Pramila Jayapal, Julie Johnson, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Summer Lee, Teresa Leger Fernández, Sarah McBride, Betty McCollum, LaMonica McIver, Kelly Morrison, Brittany Pettersen, Delia Ramirez, Luz Rivas, Deborah Ross, Andrea Salinas, Lateefah Simon, Haley Stevens, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams, and Frederica Wilson.

This is a follow up to the Democratic Women’s Caucus’s January letter calling on DHS to reinstate protections for immigrant survivors with pending T and U visa applications. This letter is part of DWC’s ongoing efforts to call out DHS on how their policies harm women, including at a hearing entitled: “The Assault of Women By Trump’s ICE & CBP” and in several oversight letters (see here, here, and here).

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DWC Chair Celebrates House Rejection of the Republican Version of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives rejected the Republican, partisan version of H.R. 1329, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act in a bipartisan vote of 216-204. The Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) and House Democrats called for the bill to be returned to the original bipartisan version. Earlier this week, the DWC announced formal opposition to the bill.

DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) released a statement following the failed vote on the bill:

“Today, the House proved that the Women’s History Museum does not belong to Trump. It belongs to the women whose blood, sweat, and tears paint the picture of America.

Women deserve to tell our own story. That is why the Democratic Women’s Caucus and House Democrats worked tirelessly to block the radical, divisive Republican amendments to the Women’s History Museum bill that gave Trump and his ballroom buddies control.

The House’s loud rejection of this partisan bill is a signal that we need to return to the original bipartisan version that honors the diverse contributions women made to this country. This fight is rooted in the shared belief that women’s history and women’s stories are integral to who we are as a nation.”

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ICYMI: DWC Chair Leger Fernández: “Women Get Sh*t Done” in Bipartisan Push to Combat Sexual Misconduct in Congress

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WATCH THE SEGMENT HERE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning, on MS NOW’s Morning Joe, Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Republican Women’s Caucus (RWC) Chair Kat Cammack (FL-03) appeared together for their first joint interview since announcing their bipartisan partnership between the DWC and RWC to combat sexual misconduct in Congress.

During the interview, Chair Leger Fernández spoke forcefully about the culture of abuse and imbalance of power that has allowed misconduct to persist in Congress — and the urgency of reforming the system to protect staff and survivors.

“Too often we have seen Congressmen take advantage of that power imbalance, use the women who work here as their prey, and we are here to say that that’s not going to happen anymore,” said Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “We need to make sure that accountability means something… if you engage in sexual assault of the employees on Capitol Hill, you’re going to pay a price.”

Chair Cammack emphasized that the effort is not simply about punishment after abuse occurs, but about changing the culture and systems that allowed misconduct to persist in the first place.

“Accountability cannot begin and end with punishment after the fact. It must include prevention, transparency, education, and systems people can actually trust,” said Chair of the Republican Women’s Caucus Kat Rep. Cammack (FL-03).

Both lawmakers made clear they are sending a message to workplaces across America: sexual misconduct is never acceptable. Congress should set the standard — not lag behind it — and no woman should ever have to choose between her career and her safety.

“We are going to kick out the predators, and we're going to do that by changing and reforming the system that was put into place in 2018," said Chair Leger Fernández. “We represent over 140 [Congresswomen.] And when you start getting to a critical mass, women will make things happen. We just are good at getting sh*t done.”

About the partnership between the Democratic and Republican Women’s Caucuses:

Backed by Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Led by Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández and Republican Women’s Caucus Chair Kat Cammack
Focused on identifying reforms and solutions to make Congress a safer workplace for women and all survivors
Working to make reporting systems faster, more accessible, and easier to navigate for survivors
Pushing for stronger education and training resources to prevent misconduct before it happens
Prioritizing staff and survivors at every step of the reform process
Tackling the culture of retaliation, fear, and silence that prevents survivors from coming forward

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