Declaring that “when women succeed, America succeeds,” the President highlighted several items on the Women’s Economic Agenda – an agenda promoted by major women’s leadership organizations.
White House Holds Summit on Working Families Today
Ahead of the Summit, the White House released two reports on working families.
Michigan Democrats Aim to Repeal Law Requiring Separate Insurance Coverage of Abortion
Two Michigan lawmakers introduced state legislation to repeal a Michigan law that forces women to buy additional health insurance coverage for abortion, even in cases of rape or when a women’s health is endangered.
Senate Set to Approve Rape Kit Backlog Funds
The Senate today is expected to approve $41 million in funding to process hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits across the country.
Anti-Choice Group May Challenge Law Prohibiting False Political Speech
The US Supreme Court ruled yesterday that anti-choice group Susan B. Anthony List (SBA) could challenge an Ohio state law prohibiting “false statements” in political campaign speech.
Obama to Issue Executive Order Banning Discrimination Against LGBT Employees
The Obama administration announced yesterday that the President will issue an executive order prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
US Support of Afghanistan Will Continue Even As Troops Drawdown
The remaining troops will help train and advise Afghan security forces, as well as assist in counter-terrorism operations.
Sandra Fluke’s Campaign for California State Senate Advances to General Election
Women’s rights activist and attorney, Sandra Fluke, finished in the top two in her run for an open state Senate seat in California’s 26th district.
Obama Makes His Mark on Federal Appeals Courts
The make-up of the thirteen US federal appeals courts experienced a marked change under the Obama Administration.
Obama Proclaims June 2014 LGBT Pride Month
“During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, we celebrate victories that have affirmed freedom and fairness, and we recommit ourselves to completing the work that remains.”
Illinois Senate Passes Resolution to Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment
With a 39-11 vote, the Illinois Senate voted – by more than the necessary three-fifths margin of elected senators, as required by state law – to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). If it moves forward in the state House, Illinois will become the 36th state to ratify the ERA. “Ratification is not just a hugely […]
Senator Lindsey Graham Pushes Federal 20-Week Abortion Ban
The bill has no Democratic sponsors, but 41 Republican Senators have already pledged support of the bill.
Bill Extending Abortion Coverage to Peace Corps Volunteers Re-Introduced
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY-17) re-introduced the Peace Corps Equity Act in the Senate and House last week.
President Obama Announces That US Will Help Nigeria Find Kidnapped Girls
President Barack Obama announced yesterday that the US will assist Nigeria in finding the over 200 teenage girls who were abducted by terrorist group Boko Haram three weeks ago.
Senate Republicans Block Vote on Federal Minimum Wage Increase
The Senate voted 54-42 along party lines to end debate on the Minimum Wage Fairness Act – short of the 60 votes needed to move forward.
Virginia Attorney General Announces DREAMers Will Qualify for In-State Tuition
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring announced yesterday that DREAMers, children of undocumented immigrants who lawfully live in the United States under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, will qualify for in-state college tuition at Virginia’s public universities.
Afghanistan May Hold Runoff Presidential Election
Preliminary results for Afghanistan’s recent presidential election were released on Saturday, showing that former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah and former Finance Minister and World Bank economist Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai are the top contenders.
Kathleen Sebelius Resigns as Secretary of Health & Human Services
President Barack Obama last week announced the resignation of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius.
Senate Republicans Filibuster Paycheck Fairness Act
The Senate blocked efforts to advance the Paycheck Fairness Act (PFA) by a 54-43 vote today along strict party lines, with Republicans and moderates – including Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) – voting no.
Senators and President Obama Mark Equal Pay Day With Actions To Close Wage Gap
“The time has passed for us to recognize that what determines success should not be our gender, but rather our talent, our drive, and the strength of our contributions.”