10/02/2023
YOU TELL US. WE TELL WASHINGTON.
Women2Women is the only women’s organization that briefs Congress directly on issues important to women.
What's New:
W2W podcast on advocating for your student available here.
You told us. We told Washington. Legislation that impacts all women.
Thanks to your continued participation, several pieces of legislation that Women2Women has been supporting have moved forward recently.
The Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act is now a new federal law! The bipartisan legislation provides funding for programs that improve maternal health outcomes. The goal of the act is to reduce maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, including postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and obstetric emergencies. The act also improves access to maternal health services for women, particularly for those from disadvantaged communities who face barriers to accessing quality care.
The Access to Baby Formula Act was started in 1974 as a pilot program and has since expanded to serve over 7 million women and children. In response to recent baby formula shortages, a bipartisan coalition of senators supported by Women2Women are advancing legislation to increase the program’s flexibility, so families have continued access. In addition to baby formula, the act provides low-income families access to nutritious food and nutritional education. It’s also aimed at improving the health and well- being of pregnant women, new mothers, and young children who are at nutritional risk.
Survey Results – The Federal Debt Ceiling:
Results are in from our recent survey on the federal debt ceiling negotiations in Congress. Significant quantitative results include:
97% of respondents reported they were either closely or somewhat following the issue
71% felt the federal deficit should be reduced or eliminated
Of those who felt the deficit should be reduced, 58% felt it placed an undue burden on future generations
41% were in favor of reducing federal spending on the Military
84% were in favor of raising taxes on corporations
64% felt that the Democratic and Republican parties should work together on the debt ceiling and the federal budget
These results, along with the many thoughtful and poignant comments we received, will be used to brief members of Congress in the coming weeks. Your participation makes a difference – thanks to all who responded!
The new Congress has been in session for several weeks now, and the big question is whether a divided Congress – with a Republican majority in the House and a Democratic majority in the Senate – can actually accomplish anything. From where I sit, even though the most extreme (and loudest) members from each party tend to get the most press, the reality on the ground looks more promising.
Like the two bipartisan bills detailed above, there are a variety of legislative initiatives in different stages of development coming out of both parties that have the potential to improve the lives of women and families. Amidst all the yelling in Washington, there still seems to be a significant number of members ready to get to work.
We’ll be telling you about the new legislation as it is proposed. In the meantime, please continue to participate in our bi-weekly surveys. It is your participation that gives us a voice in Washington. Throughout Congress, and particularly for members from swing districts nationwide, members who ignore what women want do so at their own peril.
-- Sarah
