The National Organization for Women (NOW) Political Action Committee and the Feminist Majority Political Action Committee announce today their endorsement of New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney for appointment to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Congresswoman Maloney is a leader in the U.S. House of Representatives and will be a leader in the Senate. In her more than 16 years of public service as a Member of Congress and in her 10 years of service as a New York City Councilwoman, Maloney has demonstrated a keen awareness and creativity for solving legislatively a myriad of problems faced by U.S. women and women worldwide. Chair of the Joint Economic Committee of the House and Senate, she is a prolific legislator who is an expert on financial, security, and economic issues, as well as women’s issues.
“Sen. Hillary Clinton leaves big shoes to fill, and Carolyn Maloney has what it takes. She knows how to tackle big issues and is willing to take on entrenched interests,” said Kim Gandy, president of NOW. “She is a tireless advocate for her constituents, and one of the most effective legislators in the House.”
“I have worked with many legislators over the course of several decades. Congresswoman Maloney gets things done whether in the majority or the minority,” said Eleanor Smeal, Feminist Majority President. “She is an effective legislator who never takes no for an answer when it comes to fighting for women of the world or the citizens of New York.”
With only 16 women out of 100 senators, the women of New York, the nation and the world need Carolyn Maloney’s determination, tenacity, creativity and keen legislative skills to address the countless issues facing women, workers and families. Maloney has authored and passed key legislation including expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Debbie Smith Act for processing of DNA evidence/rape kits; she has a 100 percent rating from the Children’s Defense Fund; is a leader on reproductive issues in the U.S. and internationally; and is a leader in the fight to end gender apartheid in Afghanistan.
In this time of financial crisis, Maloney has extensive experience as chair of the House Financial Services Committee’s Financial Institutions Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the nation’s banking system. She is also a senior member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
For further information or interviews with Kim Gandy, call Mai Shiozaki at 202-641-1906, or for interviews with Eleanor Smeal, call Beth Soderberg at 703-522-2214.
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