DWC Policy Co-Chairs Urge Admin. To Use Full Executive Authority To Deliver for Women

Text of Agenda (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Policy Co-Chairs Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06) unveiled the DWC’s executive action agenda—a comprehensive set of requests for the Biden Administration to use the full power of the executive branch to build on his historic progress and deliver for women.

“Our fundamental rights are on the line and we need to urgently enact policies that support women and families in every chapter of their lives,” said Congresswoman Pressley, DWC Policy Co-Chair. “From reproductive health care to constitutional gender equality to an inclusive care economy, the Democratic Women’s Caucus’ executive action agenda lays out a critical plan for how the Biden-Harris Administration can leverage the full power of the presidency to make this a reality. Presidential authority is powerful, and with women’s rights under attack by Republicans nationwide, we must use all tools available to create a just America for all. I am grateful to my DWC colleagues for their partnership on this executive action agenda, and I look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration to see it through.”

“At this crucial moment, when women’s freedoms are under attack by Republican-controlled states across the country, it’s imperative that we address women’s health care issues as well as the social and economic challenges facing women in the United States. The Democratic Women’s Caucus Executive Action Agenda lays out a comprehensive plan for the Biden-Harris Administration and Congress to do just that,” said Congresswoman Manning, DWC Policy Co-Chair. “Our plan includes actions to expand access to affordable child care, support women in the work force, close the wage gap, address the maternal mortality crisis, and safeguard access to contraception. I’m proud of the work the Biden-Harris Administration has done so far, and I look forward to their continued commitment to championing women’s rights, freedoms, and health.” 

“I am proud to support a Democratic Women Caucus executive agenda that centers the needs of women, children, and families,” said Congresswoman Moore, DWC Communications Chair. “It’s clear that both women and families would benefit from greater access to childcare and paid family and medical leave. Our DWC agenda makes these investments, helping us build a 21stcentury economy and level the playing field for women. I am especially excited about this agenda’s efforts to address our nation’s maternal health crisis and strengthen women’s reproductive rights, because as someone who received an abortion now serving as member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I recognize that these issues go hand in hand. In addition to these critical investments in women’s health, I am also excited to champion initiatives that address gender-based violence, a key priority since I was elected to Congress. This agenda represents our Members’ shared commitment to lifting up women at all stages of their life.”

The executive action agenda urges the Biden Administration to use executive orders, rulemaking, the bully pulpit of the White House, strong enforcement of existing laws, and swift implementation of recent legislative wins—including the Inflation Reduction Act—to help build an economy that works for women, protect reproductive freedom, promote equal access to good paying jobs, and more.

The executive actions requests outlined in the agenda will (1) help deliver a care economy that works for women, (2) advance equal opportunities for women at work, (3) protect reproductive freedom and access to quality, affordable health care, (4) address and prevent violence against women, (5) promote equal access to quality education and workforce training, (6) advance women’s rights in our foreign policy, and (7) cement gender equality in our Constitution.

Find the full DWC executive action agenda here.

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