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Legislation
112th (2010-2011) Congress | 111th (2009-2010) Congress | 110th (2008-2009) Congress
LEGISLATION SUPPORTED
Equal Rights Amendment (S.J.Res. 21; H.J.RES. 69) is a Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to equal rights for men and women which will be valid when ratified by three-fourths of the States.
Removing the Deadline for Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (H.J.RES. 47) is a Joint Resolution to remove the deadline for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, stating that it shall be valid whenever ratified by three additional states.
Paycheck Fairness Act (S. 797; H.R. 1519)
amends the 1963 Equal Pay Act, which is a part of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 "to provide more effective remedies of victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex."
Fair Pay Act of 2011 (S. 788; H.R. 1493) amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin and provides for equal pay for equivalent jobs.
MARCH for Military Women Act (S. 1214) (H.R. 2085) amends the prohibition that denies U.S. servicewomen coverage for abortion services in cases of rape and incest, and also prevents them from using U.S. medical treatment facilities or other Department of Defense facilities to perform an abortion. The current law provides an exception to perform an abortion only where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term. The MARCH for Military Women Act would provide America's servicewomen the same reproductive rights as most other employees of the federal government.
SAFER Act of 2011 [Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Registry Act of 2011] (H.R. 1523) amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination (Debbie Smith) Act of 2000 to: (1) allow states or local governments to use grant funds to conduct audits of samples of sexual assault evidence that are awaiting testing, and (2) provide funding in FY2012-FY2016 for grants for this purpose.
Campus SaVE Act [Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act] (H.R. 2016) amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the annual security report required of each institution of higher education (IHE) participating in a title IV program to include their policy on reporting crimes or other emergencies that occur off-campus (on public property near campus, or in or on school-related noncampus facilities) including reported incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking over the preceding two years.
Respect for Marriage Act (S. 598; H.R. 1116) repeals the provision in the Defense of Marriage Act that prohibited a state, territory, possession, or Indian tribe from being required to recognize a marriage which is valid in the state in which it was entered into.
Employment Non-Discrimination Act (S. 811; H.R. 1397) prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity by employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees and prohibits related retaliation.
Student Non-Discrimination Act of 2011 (S. 555; H.R. 998) prohibits public school students from being excluded from participating in, or subject to discrimination under, any federally-assisted educational program on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or that of their associates and considers harassment to be a form of discrimination.
Every Child Deserves a Family Act (H.R. 1681)prohibits an entity that receives federal assistance and is involved in adoption or foster care placements from discriminating against prospective adoptive or foster parents solely on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identification, or marital status or on the basis of the sexual orientation or gender identity of the child involved.
The DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act (S.952) (H.R. 1842) of 2011 authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel the removal of, and adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence on a conditional basis, an alien who: (1) entered the United States on or before his or her 15th birthday and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding this Act's enactment, (2) is a person of good moral character, (3) is not inadmissible under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act, (4) has been admitted to an institution of higher education (IHE) in the United States or has earned a high school diploma or general education development certificate in the United States, and (5) was age 32 or younger on the date of this Act's enactment.
National Women's History Museum Act of 2011 (S. 680; H.R.1269)
The National Women's History Museum Act of 2011 authorizes the Administrator of General Services to convey property in the District of Columbia for the establishment of a National Women's History Museum.
LEGISLATION OPPOSED
2012 Ryan Budget Plan - Rep. Ryan (R-WI)
Paul Ryan (R-WI), Chair of the House Budget Committee, has released a 2012 budget that will eliminate Medicare and Medicaid as "we know them." It keeps Medicare as is for current recipients and for all eligible people 55 and older. For people 54 years old and younger it will not exist as is. Read more...
Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act (H.R.217) - Rep. Pence (R-IN)
This bill amends Title X of the Public Health Service Act to prohibit family planning grants from being awarded to any entity that performs abortions.
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortions Act (H.R.3) - Rep. Smith (R-NJ)
This bill prohibits the expenditure of federal funds for any abortion; including any private health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. (Currently, federal funds cannot be used for abortion services and plans receiving federal funds must keep federal funds segregated from any funds for abortion services.) It also disallows any tax benefits for amounts paid for an abortion or for any health benefits plan that includes coverage of abortion and prohibits the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by a federal or District of Columbia health care facility or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government or the District.
Protect Life Act (H.R.358) - Rep. Pitts (R-PA)
This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to modify special rules relating to coverage of abortion services placing additional restrictions on abortion services. (Currently, federal funds cannot be used for abortion services and plans receiving federal funds must keep federal funds segregated from any funds for abortion services.)
The Sanctity of Human Life Act (H.R. 212) - Rep. Broun (R-GA)
This bill
provides that human life begins with fertilization, cloning, or its functional equivalent, at which time every human has all legal and constitutional attributes and privileges of personhood.
The Abortion Non-Discrimination Act of 2011 (S. 165) (H.R. 361) - Sen. Vitter (R-LA)
This bill would amend the Public Health Service Act to allow health care organizations to refuse to provide abortion services or give information regarding those services. It would permit health care institutions to ignore public health laws that require them to provide pregnant women complete information about all of their options, to treat abortion patients whose health is at risk, or to coverabortions in cases of rape or incest.
DOMESTIC LEGISLATION
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590).
The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872).
Makes a number of health-related financing and revenue changes to (H.R. 3590). The Reconciliation Act also modifies higher education assistance.
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 (S.181 PCS)
To amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and to modify the operation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to clarify that a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice that is unlawful under such Acts occurs each time compensation is paid pursuant to the discriminatory compensation decision or other practice, and for other purposes.
Paycheck Fairness Act of 2009 (S.182), (H.R.12)
A bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide more effective remedies of victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex.
Healthy Families Act (S. 1152) (H.R. 2460)
This bill requires certain employers to provide a minimum of 7 days of paid sick leave.
Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2009 (S.354; H.R.626)
This bill provides for paid leave for federal employees for 4 of the 12 weeks of parental leave allowed under current law. Currently, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) only requires that employers allow employees to take unpaid family leave. While this bill only applies to federal employees, it is an important step in recognizing the need for paid family/parental leave.
Prevention First Act of 2009 (S.21); (H.R.463)
This bill is comprised of eight separate acts intended to expand access to women’s health care, including reproductive health care that helps reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions. Some of these bills will be introduced as separate, free-standing, bills. The Responsible Education About Life Act (REAL) has been introduced.
Repealing Ineffective and Incomplete Abstinence-Only Program Act of 2010 (S.3878); (H.R.6283)
This bill amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act to: (1) eliminate the abstinence-only education program; (2) rescind unobligated FY2010 program appropriations; and (3) reprogram such rescinded appropriations for the personal responsibility education program (PREP) for FY2011-FY2014.
Emergency Contraception Act of 2010 (S.3504); (H.R.5561)
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop and disseminate information on emergency contraception.
INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION
Afghan Women Empowerment Act of 2009 (H.R.2446)
Amends the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 to revise the provisions respecting assistance to women and girls in Afghanistan. Extends funding authority.
Resolution Opposing Shi’ite Personal Family Law in Afghanistan (S.CON.RES.19) (H.CON.RES.108)
This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the Shi’te Personal Status Law recently signed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai violates the fundamental human rights of women and should be repealed.
International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2009 (S.987); (H.R.2103)
A bill to protect girls in developing countries through the prevention of child marriage, and for other purposes.
View the Scorecard for the 110th Congress 
DOMESTIC LEGISLATION
Access to Birth Control Act (S.1555, H.R.2596)
A bill that would establish certain duties for pharmacies to ensure provision of Food and Drug Administration- approved contraception.
The Prevention Through Affordable Access Act (S.2347, H.R.4054)
A bill to amend the title XIX of the Social Security Act to restore and protect access to Medicaid discount drug prices for university-based and safety-net clinics.
The Paycheck Fairness Act of 2007 (S.766, H.R.1338)
A bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide more effective remedies of victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex.
The Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2007 (S.559, H.R. 811)
A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require a voter-verified permanent paper ballot under title III of such Act.
The Family and Workplace Balancing Act (H.R.2392)
A bill to provide family and medical need assistance, child care assistance, in-school and after school assistance and family care assistance to working families, and to encourage the establishment of family-friendly workplaces.
Freedom of Choice Act (S.1173) (H.R.1964)
This bill is to protect, consistent with Roe v. Wade, a woman’s freedom to choose to bear a child or terminate a pregnancy.
Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007 (S.3)
The House passed this bill on January 12, 2007 . It has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
College Student Relief Act of 2007 (S.282)(H.R.5)
This bill to reduce the interest rates on federal student loans passed the House on January 17 and has gone to the Senate.
Healthy Families Act of 2007 (S.910.IS) (H.R.1542.IH)
This bill requires certain employers to provide a minimum paid sick leave of 7 days.
Prevention First Act (S.21) (H.R. 819)
A bill to expand access to preventive health care services that help reduce unintended pregnancy, reduce the number of abortions, and improve access to women's health care
Women's Equality Act (S.J.RES.10) (H.J. RES. 40)
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the constitution of the United States relative to equal rights for men and women
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 (S.181 PCS)
To amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and to modify the operation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to clarify that a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice that is unlawful under such Acts occurs each time compensation is paid pursuant to the discriminatory compensation decision or other practice, and for other purposes.
The Afghan Freedom and Security Support Act (H.R.2446)
A bill to reauthorize and amend the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 and for other purposes. This bill, which includes the language in the Afghan Women’s Empowerment Act of 2002, has passed the House and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
The Global Democracy Promotion Act (S.1744, H.R.619)
This bill repeals the Global Gag Rule by prohibiting the application of certain restrictive eligibility requirements to foreign nongovernmental organizations with respect to the provision of assistance under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007 (H.R.3887)
To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 for the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, to enhance measures to combat trafficking in persons.
The International Child Marriage Prevention and Protection Act of 2007 (S.1998)
A bill to reduce child marriage. Companion bill to H.R.3175.
International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2007 (H.R.3175)
A bill to protect girls in developing countries through the prevention of child marriage. Companion bill to S. 1998.
CEDAW: The U.N. Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (H.Res.101)
A resolution for the purpose of expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Senate should ratify the Convention on the elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Denouncing Female Genital Mutilation (H.RES.32)
A resolution denouncing the practices of female genital mutilation and other gender-based persecutions.
APPROVED LEGISLATION
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 (S.2) (H.R.2)
This bill to increase the minimum wage from $5.85 to $7.25 over two years passed in May 2007 as part of the Iraq war supplemental.
Legislation Approves Statue of Sojourner Truth Be Placed in U.S. Capitol
The landmark legislation calls on the Joint Committee on the Library to accept a donation of a bust of Sojourner Truth, no later than two years after the date of the enactment of the bill, to be displayed in a suitable permanent location in the U.S. Capitol Building. The bill was signed into law by the President on December 20, 2006.
Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (S.5) (H.R.3)
The House passed this bill on January 11, 2007. The Senate passed the bill on April 11, 2007. President Bush has threatened a veto.