Houston Daily

Co-chairs Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) and Congresswoman Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH), along with Vice-Chairs Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (D-OR), have announced the Bipartisan Women's Caucus priorities for the 119th Congress.

The Caucus has outlined several legislative priorities. These include exploring ways to better support caregivers, expanding access to healthy and nutritious food, promoting programs for women-owned businesses, creating greater opportunities in STEM/STEAM fields for women and girls, addressing military sexual trauma among women veterans, supporting efforts to promote economic security for survivors of violence against women, strengthening maternal health and expanding IVF insurance coverage, and ensuring women's contributions throughout history are recognized through a Women’s History Museum.

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz stated her commitment to "working across the aisle to advance policies that support women-owned small businesses, strengthen families, and expand access to childcare and elder care." She emphasized that empowering women is central to their mission.

Congresswoman Emilia Strong Sykes expressed her honor in co-chairing the Caucus to "prioritize real change for women and girls in America." She highlighted efforts such as raising awareness around violence against women, improving women's health, expanding STEAM opportunities for women and girls, and ensuring safe food access.

Vice-Chair Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis reiterated her commitment to advancing bipartisan policies that support women and families nationwide. She noted efforts like increasing the Child Tax Credit, expanding women's healthcare, supporting women-owned businesses, advancing STEM opportunities, increasing childcare access, and championing a National Women’s History Museum.

Congresswoman Janelle Bynum shared her dedication as Vice-Chair of the Caucus to deliver tangible results that improve Americans' quality of life. She noted feedback from Oregonians desiring lower costs and better jobs as part of this commitment.

Jennifer Lockwood-Shabat, President of the Women’s Congressional Policy Institute (WCPI), remarked on the Caucus's 48-year history of working across party lines to ensure economic security, health, and safety for women and their families. WCPI will continue collaborating with the Caucus through regular briefings and bipartisan discussions.

The Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues was founded in 1977 before being renamed the Bipartisan Women's Caucus. Initially comprising 15 out of 18 female House members at its founding; today nearly one-third of House members are female. The group has historically provided a platform for developing bipartisan legislation focused on women's issues.

Significant past accomplishments include acts such as The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (1978), The Retirement Equity Act (1984), The Women’s Business Ownership Act (1988), The Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act (1990), The Family Medical Leave Act (1993), and The Violence Against Women Act (1994).