Women's Issues

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement marking the sixth Anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act: “Today, we recognize the sixth Anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Passed in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Ledbetter v Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co, the Act eased access to the courts for women seeking to challenge pay discrimination and encouraged employers to implement fair payment practices. “This bill was the first to be signed into ... Read more

**BRIEFING POSTPONED** **Due to inclement weather, this briefing has been postponed until a later date** To raise awareness during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, U.S. Representatives Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20) and Ted Deutch (FL-21) will host a briefing next week on the Islamic State’s involvement in human trafficking and the violent sexual exploitation of women and girls. The briefing will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 10:00 AM in the United States Capitol Visitor Center Congres... Read more

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement marking the 42nd anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade: “Today marks the 42nd anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade, establishing a woman’s constitutional right to reproductive health. I stand with the 70 percent of Americans that believe that women, in conjunction with their doctors, should be able to make choices about their personal medical decisions. “Since the i... Read more

Today, Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) introduced a resolution honoring Malala Yousafzai on receiving the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for her commitment to advancing gender equality in education (Legislation Attached): “At age 17, and the youngest Nobel laureate in history, Malala Yousafzai has distinguished herself as a courageous and tireless activist for global equality in education despite being met with great adversity. After surviving a 2012 assassination attempt by Taliban gunmen while... Read more

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in support of Latina Equal Pay Day, which highlights the gender wage gap between men and women, which is especially evident for Latina women: “Over 50 years have passed since the Equal Pay Act was enacted. And yet, equal pay for equal work still ceases to be a reality for all Americans. On average, women earn only 77 cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts, regardless of race. The disparity for Latina women is even ... Read more

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings made the following statement recognizing October as the Domestic Violence Awareness Month. "Each year, the month of October is dedicated to recognizing the survivors and their families, who have suffered domestic violence, as well as those who work every day to eliminate violence and abuse in America. Twenty years ago, Congress passed the Violence against Women Act, which was signed into law on September 13, 1994. I was a proud cosponsor and supporter for thi... Read more

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): “When the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 was enacted, we took a historic step forward in addressing sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, stalking and other forms of violence against women. This legislation established new criminal and civil enforcement tools for holding perpetrators accountable and provided victims with the ability to seek justic... Read more

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby: “I am deeply troubled by today’s Supreme Court decision in the Hobby Lobby case. Once again, women’s reproductive rights are under attack. “I believe that every woman should be able to make her own health care decisions. Unfortunately, the Court’s ruling has set a very dangerous precedent. “We must continue to protect women’s rights in the face of these new threats to repr... Read more

When Jeannette Rankin of Montana was elected as the first woman to serve in Congress, she knew that she would not be the last. Since her swearing into office in 1916 — four years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment and the establishment of women’s suffrage — more than 300 women have been elected to Congress. Today, more women serve in Congress than ever before, and our nation, led by such pioneers as Congresswoman Rankin, has taken great strides to expand opportunities for women throu... Read more

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement marking International Women’s Day: “Today, we join with nations across the world in observance of International Women’s Day. As we recognize the courageous women and men who have struggled for the social, political, and economic advancement of women worldwide, let us rededicate ourselves to the cause of improving equality for women across the globe. “I am proud of the great progress we have made in recent years, from expanding... Read more