Caucus Democratic Women's RSS Articles

DWC Members Demand HHS & FDA Take Immediate Action to Address Shortage of Critical Estradiol Patches

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Senate Liaison and Caregiving Task Force Co-Chair Debbie Dingell (MI-06), DWC Member Val Hoyle (OR-04), DWC Reproductive Task Force Co-Chair and Liaison Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and DWC Member Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) led a letter with 44 DWC Members calling on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas and Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) to immediately address the ongoing shortage of estradiol transdermal patches (estrogen patches), which help manage menopause symptoms.

Over the past two years, partly due to the removal of the black box warning label, prescriptions for estrogen patches have risen by 162%. Now, millions of women use these patches daily to mitigate painful menopause symptoms like hot flashes, urinary tract infections, and mood swings. Unfortunately, due to a lack of manufacturing capacity, a surge in demand, and continued inaction from the FDA, women nationwide are struggling to fill their prescriptions. Without access to estrogen patches, not only will women have to mitigate ongoing menopause symptoms, the risk to their long-term bone and cardiovascular health will increase.

Members of Congress, led by Senate Liaison and Caregiving Task Force Co-Chair Debbie Dingell (D-MI), first notified HHS and the FDA of the shortage in July, but have seen no significant assistance by the FDA to aid manufacturers and help women facing continued and unnecessary suffering.

The Members begin by outlining the impact estrogen patches have on women’s health and the dangers a shortage poses:

“Estradiol patches are used by millions of individuals to manage menopause symptoms and protect long-term health, including bone density. Patients nationwide are reporting significant, ongoing difficulty filling estradiol patch prescriptions their doctors have written for them. Interrupting treatment can mean the return of debilitating symptoms for women and real risk to their long-term bone and cardiovascular health.”

The Members highlight the concerns of their constituents who are unable to fill their prescriptions:

“However, the resulting surge in demand has outpaced the supply chain’s ability to keep pace. We have heard directly from constituents who have been unable to fill their prescriptions and are given no clear timeline on when their medication will be back in stock.”

In their letter, the Members also highlight the FDA’s failure to address this crisis and help manufacturers increase production:

“While the FDA has reported they are offering assistance to manufacturers seeking to increase production, we are many months into this disruption and patients continue to report significant, ongoing difficulty accessing this medication with no clear end in sight.”

Lastly, the Members ask the FDA to outline its plan to address the shortage and make sure the millions of women who rely on this medication can fill their prescriptions:

“1. A detailed explanation of the specific factors contributing to the ongoing delay in resolving this disruption, including any regulatory, manufacturing, or supply chain bottlenecks that continue to prevent supply from meeting patient demand.

2. A current, specific timeline for when supply is expected to stabilize.

3. What interim guidance, if any, the FDA is providing to prescribers and pharmacists to help ensure patients have access to alternative formulations during the disruption.

4. Data on which specific brands and dosages remain most affected.

5. Information on how the FDA is considering whether additional manufacturers could be utilized to help close the supply gap and whether the agency is providing technical assistance to enable that.

6. Whether or not the FDA is considering adding estradiol transdermal patches to its Drug Shortage Database.”

Read the full letter here.

The letter was signed by: Ansari, Yassamin; Barragán, Nanette; Bonamici, Suzanne; Clarke, Yvette; Dexter, Maxine; Dingell, Debbie; Escobar, Veronica; Fletcher, Lizzie; Frankel, Lois; Friedman, Laura; Garcia, Sylvia; Gillen, Laura; Grijalva, Adelita; Hayes, Jahana; Houlahan, Chrissy; Hoyle, Val; Jayapal, Pramila; Johnson, Julie; Kamlager-Dove, Sydney; Leger Fernandez, Teresa; McClain Delaney, April; McIver, LaMonica; Morrison, Kelly; Pettersen, Brittany; Pingree, Chellie; Pou, Nellie; Pressley, Ayanna; Ramirez, Delia; Randall, Emily; Rivas, Luz; Ross, Deborah; Salinas, Andrea; Scholten, Hillary; Simon, Lateefah; Stansbury, Melanie; Stevens, Haley; Tlaib, Rashida; Tokuda, Jill; Trahan, Lori; Velázquez, Nydia; Waters, Maxine; Watson Coleman, Bonnie; Williams, Nikema; Wilson, Frederica

DWC Members Unveil Economic Legislative Slate: An Economy for Women

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 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 Economic Legislative Slate; the third pillar of DWC’s Better Future Agenda and a policy slate designed to deliver financial stability, lower costs, economic justice, and opportunity for women and families.

This agenda comes at a critical moment for women and families, as Trump and Congressional Republicans continue to launch attacks on working families and send costs through the roof. Affordability for American families is at a historic low, with 49% of Americans unable to afford the true cost of living. Across the country, women are forced to choose between paying for groceries, healthcare, childcare, or gas as they struggle to afford to make ends meet—they deserve more.

While Republicans pour billions into wars overseas and funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), we are focused on building a future that puts affordability and economic security for women first. We are demanding a future with lower costs that closes the gender pay gap and combats wage theft; expands access to affordable childcare and paid family leave; strengthens retirement security; supports small business owners and entrepreneurs; protects workers' rights and unions; and ensures economic opportunity for all working families.

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

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

“Republicans and the Trump administration have made it harder for families and women to put food on the table, afford gas to drive to work, or receive lifesaving healthcare,” said DWC Chairwoman Teresa Leger Fernández. “The affordability crisis is setting women back and making it nearly impossible for women to establish the economic security needed to build a hopeful and prosperous future. That is why I introduced the Home of Your Own Act, Latina Equal Pay Act, Every Child Deserves a Head Start Act, and Women in Agriculture Act as part of DWC’s Economic Legislative Slate. My bills seek to lower costs, expand childcare access, close the gender pay gap, and create economic opportunities for women.”

“As the cost of gas, groceries, housing, and healthcare continue to rise, women and families are feeling the impact,” said DWC Vice Chair Emilia Sykes (OH-13). “I’ve introduced legislation to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit and end tax on overtime for all workers to keep more money in family’s pockets, extend access to nutritious food, and ensure domestic violence survivors retain access to their Social Security benefits when they leave an abusive spouse. Women and families deserve a break and I’ll never stop fighting to make sure their voices are heard.”

"As the first woman and mother to represent my part of the country in Congress, I’m proud to stand with the Democratic Women’s Caucus in demanding a future with lower costs, fair pay, and real economic security,” said DWC Vice Chair Hillary Scholten (MI-03). “My bill in this package, the Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Act, splits the cost of child care three ways — between employers, employees, and government — so working parents aren’t shouldering that burden alone. It’s a stable, bipartisan solution that’s workable and can withstand changing political hands in Washington. Child care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for working parents. Women deserve an economy that works for them, and where they can fully participate in the work.”

“Our nation is facing an unprecedented cost of living crisis, and too many women are working harder than ever to stay afloat,” said DWC Policy Task Force Co-Chair Deborah Ross (NC-02). “Under this administration, women in North Carolina and across the country are being squeezed by the rising costs of healthcare, groceries, childcare, and so much more. Women deserve a future where economic security doesn’t feel like an impossibility. That is the future the Democratic Women’s Caucus is fighting to build. Our Economic Legislative Slate outlines solutions that support all women by lowering costs, expanding childcare access, closing the gender pay gap, and creating opportunities for women to succeed financially.”

“I’ve met with women in Georgia’s Fighting Fifth who are business owners working to keep their doors open, care workers who make all other work possible, and mothers and grandmothers struggling to put food on the table. The DWC Economic Legislative slate is a commitment to advancing the economic freedom of not just women back home but across the country. We’re fighting for equal pay for equal work, equal opportunity, affordable childcare, equal access to capital, and an end to wage theft. We’re fighting for a better future. Women deserve better, and I stand with the DWC as we continue fighting for the equity, opportunity, and economic freedom they all deserve,” said DWC Chief Whip Nikema Willians (GA-05).

“Many of my neighbors rely on our ferries every day to commute to their jobs, get to doctors appointments, and connect with their loved ones. When boats are taken off service routes, this creates significant challenges for the 20 million+ annual ferry riders in Washington state. Ferry commuters across the country deserve reliable transportation -- the bipartisan FERRIES Act significantly boosts funding for federal ferry programs to help keep routes running, and make sure that ferry riders get to where they need to go,” said DWC Whip Emily Randall (WA-06).

“The Democratic Women’s Caucus is focused on giving women more opportunities to earn, save, and build lasting financial security. My Fast Track Healthcare Apprentices Act creates faster pathways into good-paying health care careers, while my Expanded Student Saver’s Tax Credit Act helps working students start saving for retirement earlier. From a first paycheck to a secure retirement, the Democratic Women’s Caucus is working to give women more opportunities to get ahead and build a more secure financial future,” DWC Equality Caucus Liaison Julie Johnson (TX-32).

“The Democratic Women's Caucus is fighting for women who are being stretched thin by President Trump's rising costs and shrinking opportunities. Our legislative agenda would deliver real relief and promote women's economic freedom. As a leader in the Caucus, I am proud to have introduced legislation that drives this work forward — including bills to strengthen our mental health workforce and help families keep healthy food on the table. With this agenda, we're sending a clear message: women should have the power to build their lives without being held back by costs, crises, or politicians determined to limit their potential,” DWC Congressional Hispanic Caucus Liaison Andrea Salinas (OR-06).

"Under Donald Trump, it has become harder for women and families to make ends meet,” said DWC New Dem Coalition Liaison Norma Torres (CA-35). “At a time when families are already feeling squeezed by the cost of everyday necessities, the pink tax is an unfair burden that women should not be forced to carry. Women shouldn’t have to pay more simply because a product or service is marketed to them. I’m glad my legislation, the Pink Tax Repeal Act, is included in the Democratic Women’s Caucus Economic Legislative Slate, because we must put an end to gender-based price discrimination and help women keep more of their hard earned money. I’m proud to join the Democratic Women’s Caucus in advancing an agenda that lowers costs, expands economic opportunity, and helps ensure every woman has the financial security she deserves.”

"At a time in which Trump and his Republican co-conspirators are putting their own pockets and priorities before workers' and families', the DWC’s Economic Legislative Slate presents a future that promotes financial stability and wealth-building for all women," said DWC Reproductive Healthcare Task Force Co-Chair & Liaison Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). "Rather than leave families out to dry in Republicans' affordability crisis, our legislative slate would deliver support for accessible and affordable housing, food security, childcare, small businesses, workers, and more. We refuse to accept the harm of this economic crisis as an inevitability, and we're fighting for a legislative agenda that ensures women, children, and families can afford the lives they deserve."

"Women's issues are economic issues; when women thrive, our economy thrives," said DWC member Rashida Tlaib (MI-12). "I introduced the Economic Dignity for All Agenda and the Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act to help ensure that every woman, child and family has the resources to flourish. People deserve the right to economic security; our livelihoods should not be sacrificed to corporate greed."

"Black women deserve to lead happy and healthy lives. We are still more likely to be denied a mortgage. Still more likely to die in childbirth. Still paid less for the same work,” said DWC member Robin Kelly (IL-02). " The path to real economic freedom lies in solutions that address the problems at a systems level. My Protect Black Women and Girls Act, part of the Democratic Women's Caucus's Better Future Legislative Slate, does that.”

"Working families deserve financial security, a path to the middle class and economic opportunity," said DWC member Val Hoyle (OR-04). “This Administration is stripping these opportunities and turning back the clock on progress. We’re fighting back with a forward-thinking economic agenda that will close the gender pay gap, protect worker's rights and lower costs, helping Americans thrive for generations to come.”

"President Trump's tariffs and his reckless war in Iran are driving up costs across the board and hardworking Americans are paying the price. I'm proud to stand with my fellow members of the DWC in introducing common-sense legislation like the Farm and Family Relief Act, which will put an end to these catastrophic policies, drive down costs for farmers and help working families put food on the table,” said DWC member Angie Craig (MN-02).

"The Trump Administration's record on issues important to working-class women goes beyond restrictions on healthcare; it goes after their very right to support themselves and their families. Predatory corporate practices like discrimination in auto insurance rates target working-class women and women of color who are most economically vulnerable. I'm grateful for the Democratic Women's Caucus for standing up to these corporate vultures and their allies in the Trump Administration by supporting my Prohibit Auto Insurance Discrimination Act to finally put an end to car insurance company practices that see working moms with clean driving records paying higher rates than a corporate executive with DUIs,” said DWC member Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

“Women entrepreneurs have helped power our economy for generations, but they still face too many barriers when competing for federal contracts,” said DWC member Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07). “I’m proud that my WOSB Accountability Act is part of this slate because when the federal government sets a goal to contract with women-owned businesses, those opportunities should actually reach certified women entrepreneurs. This agenda is about giving women the tools and opportunities to build businesses, support their families, and succeed.”

“Women keep our families and communities going, and so often do it with their voices silenced, needs overlooked, and rights undermined. As the Trump administration wages a war on women and Republican leaders attack our rights, I am proud to stand on the front lines with the DWC in fighting back,” DWC member LaMonica McIver (NJ-10). “The DWC’s legislative slate is an ambitious roadmap for actually delivering the results women deserve: economic freedom, real opportunities to get ahead, and the autonomy to make decisions about her own body, family, and life. That future is possible, and I will stand with my fellow DWC members as we fight for it.”

"Grocery bills, childcare, and rent keep going up, while Trump and Congressional Republicans do nothing to bring costs down," said DWC member Laura Friedman (CA-30). "The Democratic Women's Caucus has a real plan to change that, and I'm proud my Stop Disaster Price Gouging Act is part of it. After the LA wildfires, too many people who had just lost everything were hit with outrageous price hikes on housing and basic necessities. My bill cracks down on disaster price gouging with a $25,000 penalty that goes directly to supporting victims, while also giving survivors and state attorneys general the power to hold exploitative businesses accountable. I'll keep fighting alongside my DWC colleagues for an economy that makes life more affordable."

“Women’s economic freedom means having the tools and support to build stable, healthy lives for themselves and their families,” said DWC member Grace Meng (NY-06). "At a time when the Trump Administration and Republicans are threatening women’s economic security, the Democratic Women’s Caucus is putting forward a clear agenda to lower costs, protect workers, expand access to childcare and paid leave, and ensure every family has the opportunity to thrive. I’m proud that my Hot Foods Act is included in this agenda. By allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot and prepared foods, this bill would help seniors, people with disabilities, working parents, and families access the food they need with dignity. We must continue supporting bold solutions that make everyday life more affordable and build a stronger, more equitable economy for all.”

House & Senate Democrats Demand RFK Jr. & HHS Return Millions in Funding for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Friday, September 25, 2026 the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Reproductive Task Force Co-Chairs & Liaisons Kelly Morrison and Judy Chu, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) led 92 Democratic Senators & Members in a letter to the Department of Human & Health Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) demanding the return of Congressionally appropriated funds to the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPP).

When HHS initially terminated funding and announced their intention to redirect funds to ideologically conservative programs in July, 79 members of the DWC and Democratic Caucus sent a letter to HHS warning of the negative impacts this would have on communities. They demanded HHS restore the funding, provide the rationale behind each cancellation, and justify their plan to redirect funding. Since then, none of the funding has been restored to TPP grant recipients, and local programs that work to reduce teen pregnancy, STIs, and other health risks for young people have halted work.

Although the administration’s attempt to redirect funding was stopped by federal courts, the funding is now sitting unused with no publicized plan from HHS to return it and seems likely to not be returned to grant recipients. If the funding is not returned soon, the over $100 million that Congress appropriated to TPP grants is at risk of lapsing—wasting Americans valuable tax dollars and leaving programs across the country unable to operate.

HHS’s only options are to either return the funding to the communities and teens who rely on it or let it go to waste.

In their letter, the Members and Senators expose the uncertainty created by HHS’s illegal withholding of TPP grant funding:

“As the fiscal year rapidly comes to an end on September 30, we are very concerned that your Department has failed to distribute over $100 million of the $101 million in funding Congress provided for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program. Your decision to terminate the vast majority of existing TPP grants this summer and your attempts to distort the program and impose illegal conditions on grant recipients have already halted critical work being done in states across the country to prevent teen pregnancy.”

The Members also explain the duty of HHS to distribute the Congressionally allocated funds properly:

“The only reasonable path forward is to provide funding to the grantees that were previously subject to the Department’s arbitrary terminations. As of this writing, only $579,499 of the program's $101 million appropriation has been provided to a single grantee. It is clear you have no practical plan to legally spend down these funds before they expire, and the best course of action is to simply renew the awards that were terminated.”

Lastly, the Members closed by reiterating the damage RFK Jr.’s cuts have done to local programs across the country:

“For example, in Central Pennsylvania, more than 10,000 teens—many of whom are foster youth, have substance use disorders, or face mental health challenges—will lose access to these critical resources due to the discontinuation of funding for a single provider. In South Carolina, the discontinuation of funds for another provider would impact over 6,450 youth and has already led to staff layoffs.”

Read the full letter here.

The letter was signed by: Alsobrooks, Angela; Baldwin, Tammy; Balint, Becca; Barragán, Nanette; Blumenthal, Richard; Bonamici, Suzanne; Booker, Cory; Brown, Shontel; Brownley, Julia; Carbajal, Salud; Carson, André; Carter, Troy; Cleaver, Emanuel; Craig, Angie; Crockett, Jasmine; Davis, Danny; Dean, Madeleine; DelBene, Suzan; Deluzio, Chris; Dexter, Maxine; Doggett, Lloyd; Duckworth, Tammy; Elfreth, Sarah; Escobar, Veronica; Espaillat, Adriano; Fetterman, John; Foster, Bill; Foushee, Valerie; Frankel, Lois; Garcia, Sylvia; Gillibrand, Kirsten; Green, Al; Grijalva, Adelita; Heinrich, Martin; Hirono, Mazie; Holmes Norton, Eleanor; Jackson, Jonathan; Jayapal, Pramila; Johnson, Julie; Kamlager-Dove, Sydney; Kennedy, Timothy; Larsen, Rick; Leger Fernández, Teresa; Lofgren, Zoe; Markey, Edward; Matsui, Doris; McBath, Lucy; McClain Delaney, April; McCollum, Betty; McDonald Rivet, Kristen; McIver, LaMonica; Menefee, Christian; Meng, Grace; Mfume, Kweisi; Min, Dave; Moore, Gwen; Moulton, Seth; Nadler, Jerrold; Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria; Pelosi, Nancy; Pettersen, Brittany; Pingree, Chellie; Randall, Emily; Reed, Jack; Ross, Deborah; Salinas, Andrea; Sanders, Bernard; Scanlon, Mary Gay; Schiff, Adam; Schrier, Kim; Simon, Lateefah; Stansbury, Melanie; Stevens, Haley; Thanedar, Shri; Tlaib, Rashida; Tokuda, Jill; Tonko, Paul; Torres, Norma; Torres, Ritchie; Trahan, Lori; Van Hollen, Chris; Vasquez, Gabe; Velázquez, Nydia; Warren, Elizabeth; Waters, Maxine; Watson Coleman, Bonnie; Williams, Nikema; Wilson, Frederica; Wyden, Ron.

Democratic Women’s Caucus Members Slam HHS Secretary For Proposed Plan to Gut Head Start

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), DWC Whip Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), DWC Senate Liaison and Caregiving Task Force Co-Chair Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Caregiving Task Force Co-Chairs Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) & Lateefah Simon (CA-12) sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) demanding HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. withdraw their proposed rule to gut 90% of Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) that would increase costs for families and eliminate educational resources women and families rely on. The letter was signed by 87 House Democrats.

For 60 years, Head Start has served over 40 million families and children with accessible social services, healthcare, and improved early learning standards. The program provides low-income children, children with disabilities, dual language learners, and children experiencing homelessness with the resources needed to succeed in school. Even after six decades, Head Start remains popular, with four in five Americans saying they’re in support of the program— evidence that Trump’s efforts to gut it are out of step with what Americans want.

The proposed rule would diminish the quality of Head Start services and undermine its ability to develop evidence-based programs that improve education, health, nutrition, parental involvement, and social services—forcing families to either lose these resources or turn to more expensive options elsewhere. Head Start could no longer connect families to jobs, education, and housing opportunities or effectively help children succeed in school.

In the letter, Members highlighted how the proposed rule would undermine Congressional authority and intent:

“The administration claims to be removing red tape and saving money. In reality, this proposed rule would override Congressional intent by removing standards that make Head Start the program that it is today and that Congress explicitly directed HHS to create based on research and consultation with experts.”

The Members also explained how the elimination of National Head Start Standards for education would be detrimental to the programs success:

“Rigorous research has found that Head Start generates substantial long-term economic benefits, including an estimated $1.86 in benefits for every dollar invested. That return depends on strong teachers, strong ratios, and strong services—qualified staff, appropriate classroom size and teacher to child ratios that support learning, developmental screening and follow-up, health and mental health services, family engagement and support services, and evidence-based early learning—not a patchwork of state requirements that would create different standards throughout the country.”

The Members also warned the proposed cuts would erode the safety and the quality of the program and possibly put students in danger:

“The proposed rule would eliminate Head Start’s specific federal requirement that children be supervised at all times, reduce mandatory annual staff training on preventing abuse and neglect, repeal the prohibition on corporal punishment, shaming, humiliation, and seclusion practices, and remove the timelines that ensure a child’s developmental, dental, and medical needs are actually screened and followed up on.”

Lastly, the Members explain how the cuts would roll back its strict student support systems that keep children in school:

“This proposed rule would strip Head Start’s ban on expelling children and its strict limits on suspension which is deeply concerning. These protections exist because preschoolers are already suspended and expelled at rates far above K-12 students. Additionally, disparities in suspension and expulsion are already significant for children of color, boys, and children with disabilities. Federal data show that children of color account for a disproportionate share of preschool suspensions, while children served under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) make up 23 percent of enrollment but 74 percent of expulsions.7 Removing these federal protections will not close those gaps. It will widen them.”

Read the full letter here.

The letter was signed by: Amo, Gabe; Ansari, Yassamin; Balint, Becca; Barragán, Nanette; Beatty, Joyce; Bonamici, Suzanne; Brownley, Julia; Brown, Shontel; Budzinski, Nikki; Carbajal, Salud; Carson, André; Castor, Kathy; Chu, Judy; Clarke, Yvette; Craig, Angie; Crockett, Jasmine; Davids, Sharice; Dean, Madeleine; DeGette, Diana; DelBene, Suzan; Dexter, Maxine; Dingell, Debbie; Elfreth, Sarah; Escobar, Veronica; Foushee, Valerie; Frankel, Lois; Friedman, Laura; Garcia, Sylvia; Goodlander, Maggie; Grijalva, Adelita; Hayes, Jahana; Horsford, Steven; Houlahan, Chrissy; Hoyle, Val; Jacobs, Sara; Jayapal, Pramila; Johnson, Julie; Kamlager-Dove, Sydney; Kaptur, Marcy; Kelly, Robin; Lee, Summer; Leger Fernandez, Teresa; Matsui, Doris; McBath, Lucy; McBride, Sarah; McClain Delaney, April; McClellan, Jennifer; McCollum, Betty; McDonald Rivet, Kristen; McIver, LaMonica; Mejia, Analilia; Meng, Grace; Moore, Gwen; Moskowitz, Jared; Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria; Omar, Ilhan; Pelosi, Nancy; Pettersen, Brittany; Pingree, Chellie; Pou, Nellie; Pressley, Ayanna; Ramirez, Delia; Randall, Emily; Rivas, Luz; Ross, Deborah; Salinas, Andrea; Scanlon, Mary Gay; Schakowsky, Janice; Scholten, Hillary; Schrier, Kim; Sewell, Terri; Simon, Lateefah; Stansbury, Melanie; Stevens, Haley; Strickland, Marilyn; Sykes, Emilia; Titus, Dina; Tlaib, Rashida; Tokuda, Jill; Torres, Norma; Trahan, Lori; Underwood, Lauren; Velázquez, Nydia; Wasserman Schultz, Debbie; Watson Coleman, Bonnie; Williams, Nikema; Wilson, Frederica

Democratic Women’s Caucus’ Executive Director Julia Bartusek Recognized as One of The Hill’s Most Notable Staffers

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Tuesday, September 15, 2026 Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) released the following statement after the DWC Executive Director was announced as one of The Hill’s Most Notable Staffers of 2026.

“Our DWC Executive Director Julia Bartusek deserves this recognition as one of The Hill’s Most Notable Staffers of 2026 because she’s changed the expectation of what can happen when you listen and then combine deep empathy with exceptional organization skills to solve a pressing policy issue.

She has been there as DWC has been at the forefront of Congress’s most important debates. She was there as we fought to gain justice for the survivors of Jeffery Epstein and, importantly, treat them with the respect they deserve. Her team has helped highlight the mistreatment of women in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention. Most notably, she helped coordinate the bipartisan effort to reform the culture of sexual misconduct on the Hill.

I can only imagine that those who chose Julia for this recognition saw her in action as she coordinated an exhaustive series of meetings, listening sessions, and brainstorming so we could develop comprehensive bipartisan sexual misconduct reforms. This legislation, which will soon be introduced in the House, will include comprehensive reforms to bring greater accountability for members who abuse their position of power. I’m glad that the Hill is recognizing the role of this exceptional staffer and Executive Director in transforming a culture of abuse on Capitol Hill that has continued for far too long.”

Read the full article from The Hill detailing Julia’s accomplishments with the DWC here.

ICYMI: DWC Chair Leger Fernández and DWC Member Grijalva Hosted Town Hall Focused on Protecting Democracy

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

***Watch the conversation here***

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), DWC member Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), and Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly hosted a town hall in Tucson, Arizona focused on defending democracy and women’s voting rights. The Democratic Women’s Caucus hosted the town hall as part of its mission to reach women and girls across the country and to show up where Republicans won’t.

Throughout the conversation, Chairwoman Leger Fernández and DWC member Grijalva focused on how Congressional Republicans have systematically attacked women and working families to stay in Trump’s good graces. The Congresswomen highlighted that each of the House Republicans in the neighboring districts have continually voted to cut healthcare and SNAP benefits from their constituents, while voting for tax breaks for billionaires and increases in funding to ICE.

DWC Member Adelita Grijalva & Chairwoman Leger-Fernández on the importance of hosting town halls and meeting with constituents:

“We’re not afraid to talk to you about what we’re doing and about what you like and don’t like because we represent everyone in our community. I have always believed that one of the most important parts of this job is to listen and tell your stories when I go to Washington, because I have to make sure your voice is represented and your voice is powerful. So the opportunity to be here with all of you together—this is what democracy looks like. It is an investment in time and in dedication to making sure that everyone's rights are heard, ” said DWC Member Adelita Grijalva.

“Why is it important? It is important because we are here to listen to your concerns and you, I hope, are going to ask us hard questions. We need to do exactly as Congresswoman Grijalva said: take those stories back. If we don’t take those back or don’t know what your current concerns are, we cannot adequately and truly authentically represent you,” said DWC Chairwoman Rep. Leger-Fernández.

DWC Chairwoman Leger Fernández on why you need to use your vote to hold members of Congress accountable:

“Their vote cut access to healthcare, their vote cut access for women who need that healthcare to be able to access medical care during their pregnancies, their vote cut access to nutrition for those beautiful babies and those children. Those were their votes,” said Rep. Leger Fernández.

“More importantly, if you’re not going to be a congressperson that stands up to the President and stands up for your people, then you should not be in that portrait. You are not representative,” said DWC Chairwoman Leger-Fernández.

DWC Member Grijalva & Chairwoman Leger-Fernández on what is at stake:

“They voted instead to give ICE $140 billion and recently for another $70 billion. The Democratic Women’s Caucus has said that’s not what the priority of the American people is right now. The priority is: how do you make life affordable for me? How do you respect our communities? How do you talk to each other about members of the same community,” said DWC Chairwoman Leger Fernández.

“There’s an attack on our first amendment. There is an attack on being able to protest a government that you don’t agree with. The attacks on our democracy are blatant,” said DWC Member Grijalva.

DWC Chairwoman Leger Fernández on why the Democratic Women’s Caucus is talking to women across America and sharing voting resources:

“We’re showing up at town halls like this because it is important that we protect the right to vote and that we fight against the zombie bill, the SAVE Act. We need to remember what the SAVE Act does. The SAVE Act would make it harder for you to register to vote and for you to vote,” said DWC Chairwoman Leger Fernández.

Democratic Women’s Caucus Leaders Statement on Vote to Censure Rep. Chuck Edwards

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Vice Chairs Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Hillary Scholten (MI-03) released the following statement on the vote to censure Representative Chuck Edwards (NC-11) after it was found he violated the House Code of Official Conduct rules on sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. A censure would require that Rep. Edwards stands on the floor while the censure resolution is read out loud. If censured, Rep. Edwards will stand on the floor while the censure resolution is read out loud.

“Today, the House of Representatives will vote to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards after an ethics investigation found a disturbing and consistent pattern of sexual harassment. Rep. Edwards spent years harassing two young women on his staff, forcing them to leave their jobs. He continues to deny that his actions were sexual harassment and has shown no remorse.

We are appreciative of the House Committee on Ethics’ thorough investigation and urge all of our colleagues to vote to censure Rep. Edwards.

However, we want to be clear that this vote is not an adequate consequence for the years of sexual harassment. Rep. Edwards should resign immediately.

We have been working tirelessly to address the pervasive sexual misconduct on the Hill and will continue to work to make Congress a better and safer environment for women staffers. The bare minimum we can do is vote to censure Rep. Edwards, but we must do more.”

110+ House & Senate Democrats Slam EEOC's Proposal to End Demographic Data Collection Key to Fighting Workplace Discrimination

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-D), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Grace Meng (NY-06), Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Mark Takano (CA-39) and Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) led 112 Members of Congress & Senators in a letter urging the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to reverse its proposed rule that would end the Equal Employment Opportunity reporting requirements to collect demographic data.

Established in 1964, the EEOC was commissioned with bipartisan support to serve as an independent, multi-member body tasked with preventing and addressing employment discrimination. Despite workers coming to rely on the EEOC as a fair and independent regulatory body, the commission’s proposal claims the data reports are inconsistent with equal employment opportunity law, and may raise constitutional concerns.

The EEOC’s proposal would directly undermine its regulatory power. The proposal would undermine the Commission's ability to enforce Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that makes it illegal for employers to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin, and would delay justice for workers across America who are facing unlawful discrimination.

For over 60 years, the EEOC and Congress have relied on this demographic data legally collected by the EEOC as a foundational tool for enforcing equal employment laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and used it to identify discrimination that would have otherwise gone unchecked.

The Members outline how the proposal would undermine Title VII protections:

“This proposal would rescind this longstanding data collection framework and create confusion regarding employers’ responsibilities, as employers would remain legally required to comply with Title VII, including maintaining employment records that help demonstrate that compliance.”

The Members continue by highlighting how the data is essential for ending workforce discrimination:

“Ultimately, eliminating the EEO reporting requirements would not eliminate the need for demographic data—it would merely make that information more difficult, more expensive, and more time-consuming for the Commission to obtain. Workers who experience discrimination would wait longer for justice, and systemic violations affecting hundreds or thousands of employees would be less likely to be identified before additional workers are harmed.”

Members also emphasized that the collection of data was both legal and vital:

“Even if strict scrutiny did apply, the Supreme Court has long recognized eliminating discrimination as a compelling government interest, and the collection of demographic data is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. In fact, the Commission’s proposal cites no cases where a Court has found that its data collection is subject to heightened scrutiny or is in any way unconstitutional… Ultimately, the Commission asks the public to conclude that a reporting framework every administration has utilized for nearly sixty years and courts have repeatedly permitted is suddenly unlawful. The proposed rule fails to provide a persuasive legal basis for such a dramatic departure from longstanding law and practice.”

Lastly, members concluded by outlining the long-term damage this proposal would have on Congress’s ability to reduce systemic discrimination:

“Rescinding these reporting requirements would reduce the Commission’s capacity to detect systemic discrimination, weaken enforcement efforts, and diminish the availability of reliable data that benefits employers, workers, researchers, and policymakers alike. The elimination of this comprehensive reporting tool would further reduce transparency, exacerbate inconsistencies, and limit the Commission’s ability to assess national employment trends over time. We must not further hinder the Commission’s ability to enforce federal laws and prevent discrimination, especially at a time when the Commission’s own workforce has been reduced by nearly 25 percent since fiscal year 2025 under the recent federal staffing reductions.”

Read the full letter here.

The letter was signed by: Adams, Alma; Alsobrooks, Angela D.; Amo, Gabe; Balint, Becca; Barragán, Nanette; Beatty, Joyce; Bell, Wesley; Beyer, Donald; Blunt Rochester, Lisa; Bonamici, Suzanne; Boyle, Brendan; Brownley, Julia; Brown, Shontel; Budzinski, Nikki; Bynum, Janelle; Carbajal, Salud; Carson, André; Carter, Troy; Chu, Judy; Cisneros, Gilbert; Clarke, Yvette; Cleaver, Emanuel; Congressional Hispanic Caucus – Rep. Adriano Espaillat; Correa, J.; Crockett, Jasmine; Davis, Danny; Dean, Madeleine; DelBene, Suzan; DeSaulnier, Mark; Dexter, Maxine; Dingell, Debbie; Elfreth, Sarah; Escobar, Veronica; Evans, Dwight; Foushee, Valerie; Frankel, Lois; Friedman, Laura; Frost, Maxwell; Garcia, Robert; Garcia, Sylvia; Gillibrand, Kirsten; Goldman, Daniel; Grijalva, Adelita; Hayes, Jahana; Houlahan, Chrissy; Hoyle, Val; Huffman, Jared; Ivey, Glenn; Jackson, Jonathan; Jayapal, Pramila; Johnson, Henry; Johnson, Julie; Kamlager-Dove, Sydney; Kelly, Robin; Khanna, Ro; Krishnamoorthi, Raja; Lee, Summer; Leger Fernandez, Teresa; Lieu, Ted; Lynch, Stephen; Markey, Edward J.; Matsui, Doris; McBath, Lucy; McBride, Sarah; McClain Delaney, April; McClellan, Jennifer; McIver, LaMonica; Mejia, Analilia; Meng, Grace; Mfume, Kweisi; Min, Dave; Moore, Gwen; Morelle, Joseph; Morrison, Kelly; Moulton, Seth; Mullin, Kevin; Murray, Patty; Nadler, Jerrold; Norton, Eleanor; Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria; Omar, Ilhan; Pelosi, Nancy; Pettersen, Brittany; Pingree, Chellie; Pou, Nellie; Quigley, Mike; Ramirez, Delia; Randall, Emily; Raskin, Jamie; Rivas, Luz; Ross, Deborah; Salinas, Andrea; Sanders, Bernard; Scanlon, Mary Gay; Schakowsky, Janice; Schiff, Adam B.; Scholten, Hillary; Scott, Robert; Sewell, Terri; Shaheen, Jeanne; Sherman, Brad; Simon, Lateefah; Stansbury, Melanie; Stevens, Haley; Strickland, Marilyn; Subramanyam, Suhas; Takano, Mark; Thompson, Bennie; Thompson, Mike; Titus, Dina; Tlaib, Rashida; Tokuda, Jill; Tonko, Paul; Torres, Norma; Torres, Ritchie; Trahan, Lori; Underwood, Lauren; Van Hollen, Chris; Vargas, Juan; Velázquez, Nydia; Wasserman Schultz, Debbie; Waters, Maxine; Williams, Nikema; Wilson, Frederica

DWC Leaders Release Statement Calling for Speedy Ethics Investigation into Rep. Gomez

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Vice Chairs Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Hillary Scholten (MI-03) released the following statement of support for the House Committee on Ethics’ investigation into Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) following allegations of sexual harassment and have called for a quick process.

“The recent allegations against Representative Jimmy Gomez are disturbing and must be taken seriously. Allegations of workplace sexual harassment against women must be investigated and if substantiated, met with clear and meaningful consequences.

We support the House Committee on Ethics’s investigation into Rep. Gomez, and call on them to release the status of their investigation, while protecting survivor privacy, before the 60-day blackout period ahead of Election Day.

The Democratic Women’s Caucus has been working tirelessly to address the pervasive sexual misconduct on the Hill and we will continue to work to make Congress a better and safer environment for women staffers.”

Democratic Women’s Caucus Leaders Call for Rep. Max Miller to Resign Following Reports of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Vice Chairs Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Hillary Scholten (MI-03) released the following statement calling for the Representative Max Miller (OH-07) to resign after reports of domestic violence and child abuse.

“The abuse perpetuated by Representative Max Miller against his wife and daughter is horrifying and now warrants immediate action by Congress. The bizarre and unnerving actions he and his legal team have taken in the last few days, including releasing private images of his two year old daughter, are beyond explanation.

Instead of focusing on fighting for an affordable America, we are again spending precious time disciplining yet another Member of Congress who is abusing his position. The culture of power hungry men who terrorize women on and off of the Hill must stop.

What Rep. Miller has been accused of is a textbook example of domestic violence and records show he has a history of abusive behavior. He has not only physically harmed women and his own child, he has also insulted the American people and institution he represents.

Due to the growing evidence and clear lack of remorse, we are calling on Rep. Miller to resign immediately.”