The debt ceiling agreement deals a serious blow to women’s economic security. If approved, it will impose $1 trillion in cuts to family planning clinics, food stamps, college tuition assistance, child care and other programs that disproportionately serve and employ women. The second part of the deal is likely to include cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and possibly Social Security.
Women at the bottom of the socioeconomic hierarchy are least able to participate as feminists. Women who have multiple jobs, children to raise, are single mothers, don’t know English, can’t afford to go to school even if scholarships are available because they have other things to worry about. These women might not even have access to information that would help them identify as feminists, let alone take action.
NOW is concerned that President Obama is about to agree to a deficit reduction package that disproportionately harms women — without even bothering to consult with women leaders in Congress.
Elizabeth Warren is one of the few voices standing up for true consumer protection, and she is being prevented from having the recognition of leading the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which she envisioned, and the power that comes with this recognition. Republicans have been working tirelessly to block recess appointments, particularly this one. Despite this opposition, the decision to appoint remains solely in the hands of President Obama.
NOW/PAC-endorsed candidate Janice Hahn (D) emphatically defeated Tea Party darling Craig Huey (R) in a run-off election in California’s 36th District on Tuesday, July 12. The run-off followed a May 17 special election primary for the seat vacated by retiring Rep. Jane Harman (D).
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