Schakowsky to Serve As Vice-chair of Bipartisan Women's Caucus

SCHAKOWSKY TO SERVE AS VICE-CHAIR OF BIPARTISAN WOMEN'S CAUCUS

WASHINGTON, D.C.–U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, a Chief Deputy Majority Whip, will serve in the 110th Congress as Vice-Chair of the Women's Caucus. Schakowsky has been a member of that Caucus since she began her service in the House of Representatives in 1999. Schakowsky is a leading advocate for women's issues in Congress, sponsoring legislation that would prevent violence against immigrant women, establish transitional housing for women and children who are victims of abuse, and commemorate International Women's Day.

"With a record number of women serving in Congress and a woman Speaker for the first time in history, the Women's Caucus is in a unique position this session to make great strides forward for women and families,... said Representative Schakowsky. "I look forward to working with Chairwoman Capps and our Republican colleagues to fight domestic violence and to promote women's equality and health. Now that the marble ceiling has been broken, the sky is the limit for women....

The Women's Caucus was formed in 1977 by the fifteen Congresswomen serving at that time. There are 74 Congresswomen serving in the 110th Congress. It played a critical role in the passage of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Women's Business Ownership Act, among many other landmark laws. During the 109th Congress, the Women's Caucus helped to secure the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, pushed for the inclusion of provisions protecting women's rights in the Iraqi Constitution, and spotlighted emerging issues in women's health.