Women's Issues

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement commemorating the one-year anniversary of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): “I was proud to support the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which was signed into law by the President one year ago today. Since VAWA was first enacted in 1994, our country has taken historic steps to combat sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and other forms of violence against women. “Approxima... Read more

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement marking the fifth Anniversary of passage of Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009: “Five years ago, I was proud to vote for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which extended basic protections against pay discrimination to women facing unfair treatment in the workplace. Women play a critical role in our economy, so Congress must do more to close the gender wage-gap and bring an end to employer discrimination once and for all. “Last n... Read more

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement marking the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade: “I believe that every woman has the right to make her own health care decisions, and Roe v. Wade was a great victory affirming that right. “Recently, there has been a surge in Republican efforts in Congress, as well as states across the country to restrict women’s reproductive choices. Many states have imposed intrusive and un-constitutional requirements for women receiving these se... Read more

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement recognizing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: “Today, nations all around the world are observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Violence against women remains a global pandemic, and seven out of every ten women worldwide will experience violence or abuse in their lifetime. “Up to two million people, 80 percent of whom are women, are trafficked annually and fo... Read more

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement recognizing the end of Domestic Violence Awareness Month: “As a co-sponsor of the original Violence Against Women Act of 1993 (VAWA), I am proud of the progress our country has made in reducing domestic violence over the past two decades. We have taken great strides in banishing domestic violence from our homes, and have dedicated significant resources to better protect survivors, prosecute abusers, and prevent new violence be... Read more

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings released the following statement marking Women’s Equality Day and the 93rd anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment, providing women the ability to vote on an equal basis as men: “Every year, we mark Women’s Equality Day and the courageous men and women whose struggle for women’s rights led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment. On this important anniversary, we are once again reminded of what can be accomplished with determination and resolve. “Wo... Read more

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in response to H.R. 1797, the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act: “Since 1972, women in America have been able to determine their own reproductive lives. The constitutional right to privacy has withstood numerous legal challenges and helped ensure that more women have access to lifesaving reproductive services. This bill is nothing more than a continuation of the Republicans’ attack on women. It w... Read more

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Equal Pay Act: “With the signing of the Equal Pay Act 50 years ago, our nation affirmed wage equality to be one of our national tenets. Today, let us rededicate ourselves to ending wage disparities once and for all and ensuring that equal work receives equal pay for all Americans. “At the time of the passage of the Equal Pay Act, women comprised a third of the wor... Read more

Today, Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement in recognition of the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark Supreme Court decision which made abortion safe and legal: "Roe v. Wade is critically important to America's legal history, because it set precedent by confirming that the constitutionally protected right to privacy includes every woman's right to make her own reproductive health decisions. "Unfortunately, women across this nation have continued to f... Read more