In both chambers of Congress, women are leading the fight against the legislation, which contains controversial provisions on abortion, abstinence-only education, financial reform, and other issues impacting millions of Americans.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Slams Supreme Court for Upholding Voter Suppression in Texas
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg issued a blistering dissent after a ruling by the US Supreme Court this weekend threatened to disqualify more than half a million Texas voters from early voting.
US Supreme Court Shuts Down First Week of Early Voting in Ohio
Less than 24 hours before the start of Ohio’s would-be voting period, the Supreme Court blocked efforts to restore a full seven days of early voting in the state, marking a win for the Republican-controlled legislature that enacted the new voting restrictions.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Says Controversial Nominee Lacks Support
Prominent Democrats voiced overwhelming opposition to the appointment of Boggs, who supported Confederate flag insignia as a Georgia state legislator, wanted to ban same-sex marriage, and supported the publication of abortion doctors’ names on the Internet.
Former Virginia Governor and First Lady Found Guilty on 14 Charges in Corruption Case
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were found guilty Thursday on a combined 14 counts of conspiracy, fraud, influence-peddling, bribery, and extortion by a jury in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Terry O’Neill Was One of Hundreds Arrested Calling for Immigration Reform at White House Rally
O’Neill was arrested during El Dia Decisivo, a civil disobedience action led by Casa de Maryland and the newly formed Casa de Virginia. She spoke to the Feminist Newswire just hours after being released from custody.
US-Africa Leaders Summit Closes With Funding Commitments and Focus on Women
After three days of unprecedented meetings between the US and leaders from nearly 50 African countries, the US Africa Leaders Summit ended Wednesday. In addition to public and private commitments of up to $33 billion for trade and investment, the United States called on leaders of the African continent to make a considerable investment in advancing the status of […]
Florida Lawmakers Hold Special Session to Redraw Gerrymandered Maps
Florida lawmakers are in Tallahassee today for a special nine-day session to redraw the state’s congressional districts after a state court ruled last month that Republicans had illegally redrawn the districts for their own benefit. Leon County, Florida Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis found in July that state Republicans had created “a shadow redistricting process” […]
New Bills Would Advance Reproductive Healthcare Gains of Affordable Care Act
Two new bills introduced in Congress could help improve health outcomes for people of color, low income communities, and female members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Women’s Equality Party Launched in New York
In November, voters in New York may elect the first Women’s Equality Party ticket.
“From Passion to Progress” Briefing Brings Together Feminist Leaders and Hundreds of Young Activists
Over plates of donuts and cups coffee, participants listened to a succession of engaging and passionate speeches from congressional and feminist leaders: Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA), Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), and FMF President Eleanor Smeal.
Executive Order Banning LGBT Discrimination in the Workplace Makes No Religious Exemptions
The President yesterday signed a long-awaited executive order barring workplace discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation.
New Clarification Requires Corporations Refusing Contraceptive Coverage To Inform Their Employees
The White House clarified on Thursday that closely held for-profit corporations refusing to provide contraceptive coverage will be required to inform their employees.
34 Years Ago, The US Signed CEDAW. Now, Let’s Ratify It!
It is time for the US to join the nations of the world in ratifying CEDAW and affirming the importance of equality for women and girls around the world. Take action for CEDAW today!
State Refusals to Expand Medicaid Have Left Millions Uninsured
Nearly five million low-income Americans do not have access to affordable insurance because state legislators in 24 states refuse to expand Medicaid.
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.
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.”
Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Maintaining Commitment to Afghan Women and Girls
“My family decided to move back to Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban. After we returned, I remained committed to working to improve Afghan women’s lives.”
Senate Rejects Qualified Obama Nominee to Lead DOJ Civil Rights Division
“Today’s filibuster should concern every person who care about our justice system.”
