Women’s Caucus, Women’s Policy Inc. Celebrate Caucus’ 30th Anniversary

(Washington, D.C.)  Today the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, led by Co-Chairs Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA), will join Women’s Policy Inc. (WPI) in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Women’s Caucus. The bi-partisan event will honor the first woman Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and recognize 30 years of remarkable leadership by the Women’s Caucus on issues such as violence against women, family and medical leave, retirement equity, civil rights, child care and support, and women’s health.

The Caucus will formally announce its bipartisan legislative agenda for the 110th Congress at the gala. This “must pass” agenda includes action on the following: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination, addressing provisions in the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind to enhance Math and Science Education for girls, passing the HEART for Women Act, passing an International Women's Day Resolution, and placing more women's artwork in the Capitol. Earlier today the first item on this “must pass” agenda was accomplished as the Women’s Caucus helped lead the effort to pass H.Res.149, a resolution supporting the goals of International Women's Day.

“Now is an exciting time to be a woman in Congress,” said Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. “More women are serving in Congress today than ever before and are helping to prove that woman can indeed accomplish anything. It is an honor to serve with Lois Capps as Co-Chairs of the Congressional Women’s Caucus as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. The Caucus has a rich history of championing important women’s issues and I hope to continue that tradition by bringing new issues impacting women to the national forefront.”

“This is a historic time for the Congressional Women's Caucus,” said Congresswoman Lois Capps. “Serving under the leadership of the first woman Speaker with a record number of women Members, the Women's Caucus is uniquely poised to have a greater voice than ever before in shaping the agenda of the Congress and the nation. I am honored to serve as Co-Chair with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers as the Women's Caucus celebrates its 30th anniversary and seizes this historic opportunity.”

“It is truly an honor to be a Vice-Chair of the Women’s Caucus on its 30th anniversary, especially at a time when there are a record number of women in Congress and leadership positions,” said Congresswoman Mary Fallin (R-OK). “All Americans should be proud of the enormous strides that women have made, in and out of Congress, in the last thirty years. Celebrating this day should remind us all that this great country truly is the land of opportunity, for men and women alike.”

“The Congressional Women’s Caucus has made significant progress in the last 30 years by advancing issues that affect women and their families,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). “Every single day, we are making great strides in improving women’s health, ending domestic violence and creating opportunities in the workplace. Just this afternoon, Congress passed our resolution to honor International Women’s Day. As the Vice Chair of the Women’s Caucus, I look forward to working with the Co-Chairs to promote a legislative agenda that is consistent with the goals outlined by this Caucus.”

“Thanks to the Caucus’ efforts, women and their families have become safer, healthier and more economically secure over the past 30 years,” said Cynthia Hall, WPI President. “Whether it’s boosting federal funding for breast cancer research, curbing violence against women, or advancing countless other important issues, millions of women count on their champions on Capitol Hill to protect and advance their concerns.”

“As a truly bipartisan Caucus with members representing a wide range of views and every corner of our country,” added Hall, “The Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues is just the right group to advance these important national priorities.”

The Women’s Caucus was founded on April 19th, 1977 by fifteen Congresswomen from both sides of the isle. Thirty years after its founding, the Women’s Caucus now boasts a record 73 Members.