The Senate voted 50-38 yesterday to approve a bill that would restore jobless benefits for 2.4 million Americans who have been out of work for at least six months.
Obama Poised To Sign Two Executive Actions On Equal Pay
President Obama will sign two executive actions tomorrow to promote equal pay for women.
Senate To Vote on Equal Pay Legislation
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced that the Senate will vote on equal pay legislation as soon as next week.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Aggregate Campaign Contribution Caps
Justice Breyer wrote in the dissent, joined by Justice Ginsburg, Sotomayor, and Kagan, that the Court’s decision, “eviscerates our Nation’s campaign finance laws, leaving a remnant incapable of dealing with the grave problems of democratic legitimacy that those laws were intended to resolve.”
Senate Votes to Reauthorize Child Care Bill
The Senate voted 96-2 last week to pass the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 (CCDBG), a federal grant program that provides child care assistance to families and funding for child care initiatives.
Report Finds Record Number of Women Winning Political Seats Worldwide
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) – an international organization of parliamentarians – released its annual review of Women in Parliament last week at the United Nations, showing a record number of women winning Parliamentary seats around the world.
Senate Blocks Military Justice Improvement Act
“I always hoped we could do the right thing here – and deliver a military justice system that is free from bias and conflict of interest – a military justice system that is worthy of the brave men and women who fight for us.”
Senate Rejects Qualified Obama Nominee to Lead DOJ Civil Rights Division
“Today’s filibuster should concern every person who care about our justice system.”
Ohio Passes Laws Ending or Restricting Early and Absentee Voting
With Ohio remaining a key presidential swing state, the voting restrictions could have national impacts if they remain in place.
Republican Senators Introduce Bill to Limit Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses
Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a bill last week that would give states the power to decide whether to give married lesbian and gay couples the same federal benefits that heterosexual married couples receive.
President Obama Increases Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors
President Obama signed an Executive Order Wednesday increasing the minimum wage for new federal contractors to $10.10 per hour.
Justice Department Will Recognize Same-Sex Marriages in All Programs
“As all-important as the fight against racial discrimination was then, and remains today, know this: My commitment to confronting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity runs just as deep.”
Military Sexual Assault Bill Expected To Come To Vote This Week
“The men and women of our military deserve better,” Gillibrand told The Washington Post.
Senate Cuts Food Stamps For 850,000 Households
850,000 households across the country – encompassing 1.7 million people – are now set to lose around $90 a month in food stamp benefits because of the US Senate vote last night on the 2014 Farm Bill.
Senate Democratic Women Speak Out In Support of Raising the Minimum Wage
“Full time work should not be rewarded with full time poverty. Hardworking men and women who are busting their tails in full-time jobs should have a chance to support themselves and their families and build a little economic security. It is time for Congress to act and raise the minimum wage.”
Sandra Fluke “Strongly Considering” Bid for House Seat
Sandra Fluke, the well-known women’s rights activist and attorney, is “strongly considering” running for Rep. Henry Waxman’s congressional seat, she told a California radio station yesterday.
New York State Assembly Passes Omnibus Women’s Equality Act
“All of these issues are related. A woman’s reproductive rights are just as related to how she can care for her family as discrimination in the workplace. Connecting the dots on women’s equality is important. “
House and Senate Democrats File Amicus Briefs in Support of Affordable Care Act Contraception Benefit
91 House Democrats, 19 Senate Democrats, and the National Women’s Law Center filed separate amicus briefs Tuesday in support of the contraceptive coverage benefit in the Affordable Care Act.
Democrat Wins Virginia Senate Seat After Close Recount
Virginia Del. Lynwood W. Lewis Jr. (D-Accomack) won a closely-watched state Senate race Monday, delivering a boost to recently inaugurated Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
Pro-Choice Democratic Woman Wins Virginia Senate Seat
I’m pro-choice, and will fight to repeal the mandatory ultrasound law and the TRAP regulations that target women’s health clinics.”