Democratic Women’s Caucus Co-Chairs Kamlager-Dove and Ross Unveil Policy Agenda to Demand a Better Future for Women; Defend Women and Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Thursday, July 17, the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC), led by Policy Task Force Co-Chairs Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and Deborah Ross (NC-02), released its Better Future policy agenda, focused on economic security, affordable and equitable health care, and the safety of all women and girls. 

This agenda comes at a time when women and families are under constant attack from the Trump administration and Republicans. From gutting reproductive health care access and cutting Medicaid to slashing food assistance and taking away critical resources for survivors of domestic violence, the Trump Administration and Republicans have launched a full-scale assault on women.

In the face of these relentless attacks from Trump and Republicans, the Democratic Women’s Caucus is not only dedicated to pushing back and defending women, but also paving a path for a better future for all women and girls.

That’s why the Better Future policy agenda calls for clear priorities that will actually help women and families across three pillars:

• Economic Security: Lowering costs, raising salaries, expanding paid leave, protecting Social Security, and investing in care work and women-owned businesses.
• Health Care: Defending reproductive freedom, expanding access to health care including Medicaid and Medicare, and improving maternal health.
• Rights & Safety: Ending gender-based violence, protecting voting rights, and confronting discrimination.

As the Caucus continues to fight back against Trump and Republicans’ attacks on women and families, the Democratic Women’s Caucus is keenly focused on continuing to push for proactive policies that will help women and families achieve a better future.

Read the full agenda here.

Para leer la agenda en español, haga clic aquí.

Democratic Women’s Caucus Executive Steering Committee Members support for the agenda:

“At 96 women strong, the Democratic Women’s Caucus is fighting every single day for the economic security, health, and safety of all women and girls,” said DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “Yes, in this moment we must defend women from Trump’s relentless attacks on our safety, rights, and equal opportunities. But we are also demanding a better future for women and will fight to build a good life for all women. We will never stop pushing for the policies that make life better for women and for all hardworking American families.”

"As the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress continue to attack women and families, the Democratic Women’s Caucus is stepping up to demand a better future for women," said DWC Policy Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37). "In the wake of record cuts to health care and food assistance, ongoing assaults on our reproductive freedoms, and the largest transfer of wealth in our nation's history, we must defend our rights and livelihoods while striving for a brighter tomorrow for our daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and beyond. American women can trust that the Democratic Women’s Caucus is fighting for them through the policies outlined in this agenda."

“At a time when the rights of women and families are under continuous assault by Donald Trump and his allies, the DWC Policy Agenda meets the moment,” said DWC Policy Task Force Co-Chair Deborah Ross (NC-02). “We are laying out clear steps to lower costs, expand health care, and protect women’s reproductive freedom in the face of Republicans' extreme attempts to roll back our rights. As Co-Chair of the DWC Policy Task Force, I am proud to unveil this agenda and will keep working toward a future where women and girls have the freedom and opportunity to thrive.”

“The Democratic Women’s Caucus is dedicated to building a future where every woman can live, work, and raise a family with dignity and security," said DWC Vice Chair Emilia Sykes (OH-13). "Whether we are working to expand access to reproductive and maternal health care, lower costs for families, protect Social Security, or improve economic opportunity for women, I’m proud to lead these efforts with a coalition committed to putting women and families first."

"In West Michigan and across the country, women are calling for real solutions—not political stunts. The Democratic Women’s Caucus is answering that call with a bold, unflinching agenda that demands a better future by defending the rights, health, and safety of women and families," said DWC Vice Chair Hillary Scholten (MI-03). "From the grocery store to the doctor’s office to the ballot box, women are feeling the weight of Trump and Republicans’ relentless attacks. We are fighting back with policies that lower costs, expand reproductive freedoms, protect care workers, and ensure every woman has the chance to thrive."

“I am proud to join my Democratic Women’s Caucus in demanding a better future for women and families. As the Trump administration continues to assault our rights, our health care, and our economic security, we are charting a new path forward. Our agenda is bold and focused on what women need: affordable health care, an economy that works for them, reproductive freedom, and safer communities,” said DWC Communications Task Force Co-Chair Shontel Brown (OH-11).

“When women and families thrive, our communities thrive. But right now, our freedoms, our healthcare, and our economic security are under attack. I’m proud to serve in a leadership position on Democratic Women’s Caucus and to promote this policy agenda demanding a better future for women, children, and everyone across the country to have the freedom, rights and opportunities we all deserve,” said DWC Member Services Task Force Co-Chair Melanie Stansbury (NM-01).

“Women and families deserve more—and we won’t wait for it to be handed to us, we are working for it now,” said DWC New Member Liaison LaMonica McIver (NJ-10). “The DWC’s agenda is a demand for a future built for women where costs come down, care is expanded, and everyone has an opportunity to thrive. We are standing together to create that future, and standing against the extremism of the Trump administration and Republicans who are trying to set back the clock.”

“As a proud member of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, I’m committed to demanding a future where the needs of military families, especially women and children, are prioritized.  That means improving access to safe, affordable, and high-quality child care and addressing the ongoing health care needs of our service members and their families, including their faster access to obstetric and gynecological care, and adequate medical staffing.  These priorities are not just policy, they are essential to the success, readiness, and well-being of the families who serve, support, and sustain our armed forces,” said DWC Servicewomen, Women Veterans, & Military Families Task Force Chair Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06).

“Right now, women and families are under attack by Trump and Republicans in Congress — from our pregnancies to our paychecks — our autonomy is being eliminated. The Democratic Women’s Caucus is drawing a line in the sand: we demand an economy that works for women, health care that protects us, and communities where our rights and safety come first. This agenda represents our commitment to building a future where every woman and family can thrive with dignity and security,” said DWC Equality Caucus Liaison Julie Johnson (TX-32).

“As a proud Executive Steering Committee member of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, I’m fighting for women, for families, and for the future we all deserve,” said National Leaders & Advocacy Organizations Liaison Joyce Beatty (OH-03). “Donald Trump and extreme Republicans love to call themselves ‘pro-family’—but ripping away healthcare and food assistance from children and moms, and attacking women’s freedoms, is anything but. You can’t be ‘pro-family’ while pushing policies that hurt moms, kids, and caregivers. Our DWC Agenda delivers what real families need: affordable childcare and healthcare, economic opportunity, reproductive freedom, and safe communities. These are common-sense solutions—and exactly what the majority of Americans support. Because when women rise, America rises.”

“I have always prioritized giving all women—including Latinas—the tools they need to thrive. But with President Trump’s dangerous policies targeting women and families, it’s more important than ever that we defend the progress we’ve made and find real solutions to support women", said Congressional Hispanic Caucus Liaison Andrea Salinas (OR-06). "As a Caucus, we demand an economy that works for women and families, better health care, safer communities, and fair pay. Upholding these rights will strengthen our communities for everyone, and I am ready to work alongside my colleagues to ensure that every woman can live without worry or fear."

“With Trump and Republicans’ leading a full-scale assault on our fundamental rights, this moment demands a better future for women everywhere,” said DWC Reproductive Health Care Task Force Co-Chair and Liaison Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). “The Democratic Women’s Caucus’ policy agenda lays out how we will continue to fight to support and defend women and families – whether that be by building an inclusive care economy, protecting and expanding reproductive health care, ending gender-based violence, or making gender equality the law of the land. I am proud to work alongside my DWC colleagues as we push back against this hostile Administration and continue to build the more just America that women and families demand and deserve.”

“Every woman deserves the freedom to care for a loved one without risking her job or paycheck,” said DWC Whip Sarah McBride (DE). “Paid family and medical leave isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity for working families. As Trump tries to strip away our rights and economic security, the Democratic Women’s Caucus is fighting back with a clear, compassionate agenda that focuses on the needs of women and their families. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to demand the dignity, fairness, and care that every working family deserves.”

“As a mom and a Member of Congress, I know the challenges women and families face every day—whether it's finding housing you can afford, accessing healthcare no matter where you live, putting food on the table, or securing a good job and quality education for your kids. These are the kitchen table issues I fight for in Congress and back home in Hawaii,” said DWC Progressive Caucus Liaison Jill Tokuda (HI-02). “That’s why I’m proud to support the Democratic Women’s Caucus’ new policy agenda. It recognizes the essential role women play in building strong families, strong economies, and strong communities, and it defends our rights and the resources we need to thrive.”

“Women and families deserve an economy that works for them—not one that works for billionaires. The instability and rising costs created by Donald Trump and Republicans have made it harder for women to care for their families and build a secure future. We are fighting for an economy that prioritizes financial security, dignity, and opportunity,” said DWC Chief Whip Nikema Williams (GA-05). “That means lowering everyday costs, ensuring fair taxes, and protecting the basic programs women rely on. It means addressing workplace inequities like wage gaps and the lack of paid leave. It means expanding access to affordable childcare and long-term care, improving conditions for domestic and care workers, and supporting women small business owners.”

“As a member of DWC’s Executive Steering Committee, I stand united with our 96 members to demand a future where women and families are valued, protected, and empowered. We do not accept the recent attacks on healthcare and food assistance and remain focused on building towards an America that works for everyone, not just the few. Our fight is for fair wages, accessible healthcare, and affordable childcare and long-term care. A country where those who work their entire lives can retire with dignity, where parents feel safe to send their kids to school, and care workers feel valued. I’m proud to join my DWC family in this fight,” said DWC Senate Liaison Debbie Dingell (MI-06).

“At a time when women’s rights and freedoms are under unprecedented attack, I am proud to stand with the Democratic Women’s Caucus to say loud and clear: we will not go back. Our agenda is a bold commitment to securing economic justice, protecting access to health care and reproductive freedom, and ensuring that every woman can live in safety and dignity regardless of her income or zip code. While Trump and MAGA Republicans work to rip away reproductive health care, gut women’s health research, and more, we are fighting back. And we won’t stop until every woman has the freedoms and resources to thrive,” said DWC Reproductive Health Care Task Force Co-Chair and Liaison Judy Chu (CA-28).

“Since I was a kid, I’ve watched the women in my life fight every day to be seen, heard, and valued—for their work, their caregiving, their ideas, and their leadership. I’ve seen moms doing everything they can to provide for their families while being overwhelmed and under-supported. I’ve seen women on job sites doing the same work as men but paid less. Women have been clear about what they need: affordable childcare, access to health care, equal pay, and a cost of living that doesn’t force impossible choices. These aren’t new tasks, they’re long-overdue promises. That’s why I’m proud to stand with the Democratic Women’s Caucus to build a safer, more affordable, and equitable future for every woman and girl,” said DWC Whip Emily Randall (WA-06).

“As an OBGYN who has spent my career caring for women, I’m horrified by how women’s health is under attack in every direction from President Trump and his Republican majority in Congress. With attacks on everything from access to reproductive health care, to contraception, to perpetuating our maternal health care crisis, President Trump and Congressional Republicans are rolling back women’s ability to get the basic, essential care they need. I am proud to stand with the Democratic Women’s Caucus as we not only fight to defend women’s health – but put forward our vision for how we will ensure every woman can get the care she needs to be healthy and thrive,” said DWC Reproductive Health Care Task Force Co-Chair and Liaison Kelly Morrison (MN-03).

Advocate and ally support for the agenda:

“Women - and especially women of color - are under attack,” said Jocelyn C. Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families Action Fund. “Women working full-time, year-round are still paid just 83 cents for every dollar paid to men; millions of workers lack access to paid family and medical leave and other caregiving supports; Black women face a maternal mortality crisis; and people across the country confront threats of criminalization for seeking abortion and reproductive health care. But instead of working on solutions to improve women’s health and economic security, President Trump and Republicans in Congress have attacked diversity, equity and inclusion programs, gutted federal agencies charged with protecting women and people of color and passed a tax bill that will threaten the physical health and financial security of millions of people. The National Partnership for Women & Families Action Fund is thrilled to endorse an alternative and affirmative agenda from the Democratic Women’s Caucus that centers women and women of color and champions the policies needed to advance women’s economic security, health and safety.”

"GIFFORDS is glad to see public safety as a top priority for the Democratic Women's Caucus. Under the Trump Administration, women are being put at greater risk every day for gun violence. This dangerous administration has rearmed domestic abusers, made it easier for bad gun dealers to stay in business, and loosened restrictions on weapons like gun silencers and short-barreled rifles. Already, we know that abusive partner’s access to a firearm is a serious threat to victims of domestic violence, making it five times more likely that a woman will be killed. We must put a stop to this epidemic and I look forward to working with the DWC to advance their public safety agenda," said Emma Brown, GIFFORDS Executive Director.

"Gen Z needs our elected leaders to step up and fight for our futures. The Democratic Women's Caucus is showing us how they plan to fight for us with their Policy Agenda, and Voters of Tomorrow is proud to endorse this platform. We look forward to working with the Democratic Women’s Caucus, their members, and our allies on and off Capitol Hill to advocate for an Agenda that protects and empowers women and girls amidst ongoing attacks on our freedoms," Grace Friedman, Policy Director at Voters of Tomorrow.

“As an organization focused on advancing public policies that address gender, racial, economic, and social justice, CLASP strongly endorses the Democratic Women’s Caucus Executive Action Agenda. To our collective detriment, our nation’s policies have neglected—and often ignored—the needs of women and their families. The Caucus’s agenda boldly promotes what women need to thrive in today’s unpredictable economy— child care, long-term care, paid leave, just wages, workplace protections, health care, retirement security, and more. CLASP supports this ambitious and necessary set of policies. The success of our nation and economy depends on it,” said Wendy Chun-Hoon, President and Executive Director, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP).

The agenda is endorsed by:

• Planned Parenthood Federation of America
• National Partnership for Women & Families
• National Women’s Law Center
• Family Values @ Work
• The Black Maternal Health Federal Policy Collective
• National Health Law Program
• National Council of Jewish Women
• Equal Rights Advocates
• GIFFORDS
• Reproductive Freedom for All
• MomsRising
• Sexual Violence Prevention Organization
• Voters of Tomorrow
• Center for Law and Social Policy
• Sexual Violence Prevention Association
• Justice in Aging
• Paid Leave for All

###