Air Force: The Senate passed S. Res. 611, a resolution to recognize the history of women at the U.S. Air Force Academy (November 2016).
Army Rangers: In September 2015, the Senate passed S. Res. 257, a resolution congratulating Captain Kristen Griest and First Lieutenant Shaye Haver on becoming the first women to earn the Army Ranger tab.
Bathroom Accessibility: Congress approved P.L. 114-235, the Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation (BABIES) Act (September 2016). The bill will require baby changing stations in female and male restrooms in public buildings.
Boko Haram: Congress passed P.L. 114-266, a bill to require a regional strategy to address the threat posed by Boko Haram. The group is widely recognized as a terrorist organization and is responsible for kidnapping nearly 300 girls from a school in Chibok in northeast Nigeria (December 2016).
Breast Cancer: Congress approved the Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act (P.L. 114-99) (December 2015).
Congress passed the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Act (P.L. 114-148) (April 2016).
Breastfeeding: In December 2016, Congress approved P.L. 114-293, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act.
Child Health Insurance: In April 2015, Congress approved the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act (P.L. 114-10). The measure reauthorizes the Children’s Health Insurance Program through 2017.
Coast Guard: The Senate passed S. Res. 579, a resolution recognizing the 40th Anniversary of the first class of women admitted to the Coast Guard Academy (September 2016).
DNA Analysis: In September 2016, Congress approved P.L. 114-236, the Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act. The bill establishes several rights of sexual assault survivors regarding the collection and retention of sexual assault evidence collection kits.
Congress also approved P.L. 114-324, the Justice for All Reauthorization Act. The bill reauthorizes funds to help state and local law enforcement agencies eliminate backlogs in DNA analyses (December 2016).
Domestic Violence: In October 2015 and September 2016, the Senate approved resolutions recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (S. Res. 293 and S. Res. 566, respectively)
Education: Congress approved the conference report for Every Student Succeeds Act (P.L. 114-95) (December 2015). The measure reauthorizes and amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (P.L. 107-110), commonly known as No Child Left Behind.
Family Support: Congress approved the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act (P.L. 114-10) (April 2015). The legislation reauthorizes the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program.
Food Security: Congress approved the Global Food Security Act (P.L. 114-195) (July 2016). The measure authorizes a strategy to address global poverty and hunger among women and children. The House approved an earlier version of the bill (H.R. 1567) in April 2016.
Girl Scouts: On April 5, the Senate approved S. Res. 406, a resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scout Gold Award.
Health: The Senate approved a resolution, S. Res. 242, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health (September 2015).
Congress approved the Protecting Our Infants Act (P.L. 114-91) in November 2015.
Congress passed P.L. 114-255, a bill that incorporated provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act (H.R. 6) (December 2016). The bill authorizes funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration and addresses efforts to include women in medical research.
Human Trafficking: The Senate approved a resolution, S. Res. 60, to observe National Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Month (January 2015).
Congress approved the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (P.L. 114-22) (May 2015). The measure incorporated provisions of several bills, including the Human Trafficking Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery Act (H.R. 350); the Human Trafficking Prevention Act (H.R. 357); the Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Act (H.R. 398); a bill to improve the response to victims of child sex trafficking (H.R. 246); the Stop Advertising Victims of Exploitation (SAVE) Act (H.R. 285); the Rape Survivor Child Custody Act (H.R. 1257); the Survivors of Human Trafficking Empowerment Act (H.R. 500); the Enhancing Services for Runaway and Homeless Victims of Youth Trafficking Act (H.R. 468); the Strengthening Child Welfare Response to Trafficking Act (H.R. 469); the Human Trafficking Detection Act (H.R. 460); and the Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act (S. 166/H.R. 159).
In February 2016, Congress approved P.L. 114-119, the International Megan’s Law to Prevent Child Exploitation and Other Sexual Crimes through Advanced Notification of Traveling Sex Offenders.
The Senate approved S. Res. 375, a resolution raising awareness of modern-day slavery (May 2016).
The Senate passed S. Res. 377, a resolution to hold in contempt Backpage.com. The commercial sex advertising website failed to comply with subpoenas issued by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations as part of an ongoing investigation into online sex trafficking (March 2016).
In December 2016, Congress approved P.L. 114-271, a bill to ensure funding for the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
International: In May 2015 and April 2016, the Senate approved resolutions (S. Res. 97 and S. Res. 388, respectively) to support the goals of International Women’s Day.
Congress approved the Girls Count Act (P.L. 114-24) (June 2015).
In December 2015, the Senate passed a resolution condemning the ongoing sexual violence against women and children perpetrated by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syrian militants (S. Res. 310).
Malaria: The Senate passed a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of World Malaria Day (S. Res. 436) (May 2016).
Military: Congress approved the FY2016 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1735). The bill contains provisions to address military sexual assault, family support, and education. President Obama vetoed this legislation (October 2015).
Following President Obama’s veto of H.R. 1735, Congress approved a revised version of the FY2016 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 114-92) in November 2015. While the updated bill retains the provisions to address military sexual assault, family support, and education, it reflects new spending limits established in the Bipartisan Budget Act (P.L. 114-74).
Congress passed the Women Airforce Service Pilot Arlington Inurnment Restoration Act (P.L. 114-158) (May 2016).
Congress approved P.L. 114-328, the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act. The measure contains provisions to address military sexual assault and parental leave (December 2016). The bill represents a compromise between the Senate- and House-passed (H.R. 4909) versions.
Miscellaneous: In May 2016, Congress approved P.L. 114-174, a bill to designate the Maya Angelou Post Office in Winston Salem, NC. An author and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou passed away in 2014.
The Senate approved S. Res. 516, a resolution expressing its “deep regret” upon hearing of the passing of Pat Summitt, the legendary coach of the women’s basketball team at the University of Tennessee (July 2016).
Naval Academy: The Senate approved S. Res. 550, a resolution recognizing the 40th anniversary of women at the United States Naval Academy (September 2016).
Opioid Abuse: Congress passed P.L. 114-198, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. The measure includes provisions to treat pregnant and postpartum women diagnosed with substance abuse disorders (July 2016). The bill incorporated several stand-alone bills approved in the House, including
H.R. 4978, the Nurturing and Supporting Healthy Babies Act, H.R. 3691, the Improving Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Act, and H.R. 4843, the Improving Safe Care for the Prevention of Infant Abuse and Neglect.
Ovarian Cancer: In August 2015 and July 2016, the Senate approved S. Res. 228 and S. Res. 521, respectively, resolutions designating September as “National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.”
Pay Equity: The Senate approved S. Res. 462, a resolution urging the United States Soccer Federation to “eliminate gender pay inequity and treat all athletes with the same respect and dignity” (May 2016).
Reproductive Health: Congress approved the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act (P.L. 114-10) (April 2015). The bill reauthorizes the Personal Responsibility Education Program, which funds comprehensive sex education and the federal abstinence education program.
Sexual Assault Awareness: The Senate passed a resolution supporting National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (S. Res. 452) (April 2016).
Small Business: The Senate approved S. Res. 225, a resolution honoring the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) on its 40th anniversary (July 2015).
The Senate approved S. Res. 280, a resolution recognizing October as National Women’s Small Business Month (October 2015).
Stalking: In January 2015 and February 2016, the Senate passed resolutions (S. Res. 59 and S Res. 353, respectively) designating January as National Stalking Awareness Month.
State Department: In December 2016, Congress approved the FY2016 Department of State Operations Authorization and Embassy Security Act (P.L. 114-323). The bill contains provisions to address gender- based violence.
Tax Policy: Congress approved the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act (P.L. 114-113), which will extend and make permanent several tax provisions, including provisions of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (December 2015).
Veterans: Congress approved P.L. 144-188, the Female Veterans Suicide Prevention Act in June 2016.
In December 2016, Congress passed P.L. 114-315, the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act. The bill includes provisions of H.R. 3216, the Veterans Emergency Treatment (VET) Act, which authorizes examination of, and treatment for, emergency medical conditions and women in labor.
Women’s History: The Senate approved S. Res. 409, a resolution recognizing March 2016 as National Women’s History Month (March 2016).
Abortion: The House approved the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act (H.R. 7) (January 2015).
In May 2015, the House approved the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36).
The House approved H.R. 3134, the Defund Planned Parenthood Act, and H.R. 3504, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (September 2015).
The House passed the Women’s Public Health and Safety Act (H.R. 3495), which would give states the discretion to withhold Medicaid funding for medical claims from health care providers that perform abortions (October 2015).
The House approved amendments to S. 304, the Abortion Objection Conscience Protection Act (July 2016).
In September 2016, the Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives voted to hold in contempt of Congress StemExpress, LLC for failing to comply with subpoenas issued by the panel. The House Energy and Commerce Committee established the panel following allegations that Planned Parenthood of America illegally profited from the sale of fetal tissue.
Child Nutrition: The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry passed the Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act (S. 3136) (January 2016). The measure would reauthorize through FY2020 the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and several school lunch and summer food service programs that serve low-income families.
Child Support: The House approved the Child Support Assistance Act (H.R. 2091) (October 2015).
DNA Analysis: The Senate approved the Rapid DNA Act (S. 2348), which would help fully automate DNA analysis (June 2016). The House Judiciary Committee approved its version of the Rapid DNA Bill (H.R.
320) in July 2016.
Employment: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved S. 2206, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Act (November 2015).
Health: The House approved the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act (H.R. 1344) (September 2015).
The House failed to override President Obama’s veto of H.R. 3762, the Restoring American’s Health Care Freedom Reconciliation Act (February 2016), which Congress passed in January 2016 as part of its budget reconciliation package. The legislation sought to repeal key portions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (P.L. 111-148) and the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which was established in the ACA. The measure also sought to increase funding for community health centers by
$235 million and impose a one-year moratorium on federal payments to entities that perform abortions.
In March 2016, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved H.R. 4725, the Common Sense Savings Act. The measure would cut $30 billion over the next ten years by reforming Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee approved S. 2745, the Advancing NIH Strategic Planning and Representation in Medical Research Act (April 2016). The bill includes provisions to ensure that data on women is included in clinical research and in efforts to reduce health disparities.
Human Trafficking: In January 2015, the House passed the Human Trafficking Prioritization Act (H.R. 514).
In February 2015, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the End of Modern Slavery and Trafficking Initiative Act (S. 553).
In May 2015, several bills previously passed by the House were incorporated into P.L. 114-22, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (see Human Trafficking above).
The House approved the Trafficking Prevention in Foreign Affairs Contracting Act (H.R. 400) (February 2016).
The House Homeland Security Committee passed the Department of Homeland Security Human Trafficking Prevention Act (H.R. 4383) (February 2016).
International: The House approved H. Con. Res. 75, a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the atrocities perpetrated by the Islamic State are war crimes and genocide (March 2016).
The House approved the Women, Peace, and Security Act (H.R. 5332) (November 2016).
The House passed H.R. 4481, the Education for All Act (September 2016). The bill provides assistance for developing countries to promote quality education, stimulate economic growth, and empower women and girls. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the bill in December 2016.
Juvenile Justice: The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (S. 1169). The measure contains provisions to address the needs of incarcerated girls (July 2015).
The House approved H.R. 5963, the Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act (September 2016). The bill also contains provisions to address the needs of incarcerated girls.
Maternal Health: The Senate Finance Committee passed the Quality Care for Moms and Babies Act (S. 466) (June 2015).
The House approved H.R. 1209, the Improving Access to Maternity Care Act (November 2016).
Medicaid: The House approved H.R. 670, the Special Needs Trust Fairness and Medicaid Improvement Act. Among other provisions, the bill would make it possible for women to continue receiving treatment for tobacco cessation up to one year after giving birth to a child. Currently, women only receive tobacco cessation treatment while pregnant (September 2016).
Military: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee passed the Maritime Authorization and Enhancement Act (S. 2829) (April 2016). The bill would address sexual harassment at the Merchant Marine Academy.
Military Spouses: In February 2015, the Senate Finance Committee approved a bill to create a military spouse job continuity credit (S. 920).
Miscellaneous: In March 2016, the House approved H.R. 4046, a bill to designate the Second Lt. Ellen Ainsworth Post Office in Glenwood City, WI. Killed during World War II, Second Lt. Ainsworth posthumously was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
Opioid Abuse: The House passed the Protecting Our Infants Act (H.R. 1462) (September 2015). Provisions similar to this bill were included in P.L. 114-198 Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, enacted in July 2016.
Pornography: The Senate approved the Amy and Vicky Child Pornography Victim Restitution Improvement Act (S. 295) (February 2015).
In March 2015, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee passed Eliminating Pornography from Agencies Act (H.R. 901).
The House approved H.R. 4361, the Federal Information Systems Safeguards Act (July 2016). The bill would prohibit access to pornography on federal computers.
Reproductive Health: The House passed H.J. Res. 43, a resolution disapproving the action of the D.C. Council in approving the Reproductive Health Nondiscrimination Amendment Act (April 2015).
Sex Offenders: The Senate approved S. 2613, the Adam Walsh Reauthorization Act (May 2016).
Small Business: In October 2015, the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee approved
S. 2126, the Women’s Small Business Ownership Act.
The House approved H.R. 4742, the Promoting Women Entrepreneurship Act (March 2016). The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved H.R. 4742 in September 2016.
The House Small Business Committee approved H.R. 207, the Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act (March 2016).
State Department: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the FY2017 Department of State Authorization Act (as-yet-unnumbered). The legislation would address sexual abuse by United Nations peacekeeping personnel (April 2016). No additional action was taken on the measure. Congress passed
S. 1635, the FY2016 Department of State Operations Authorization and Embassy Security Act in December 2016.
STEM: The House approved the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1806) (May 2015). The bill includes provisions to increase the number of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers in federal government.
In March 2016, the House approved H.R. 4755, the Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act. The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved H.R. 4755 in September 2016.
The House passed the 100 Years of Women in Congress Act (H.R. 4570) (April 2016).
Substance Abuse: In March 2016, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee approved S. 2687, the Plan of Safe Care Improvement Act, which would provide services to infants born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or suffering from illegal substance abuse.
TANF: The House Ways and Means Committee approved H.R. 2966, the Reducing Poverty through Employment Act (May 2016).
The House Ways and Means Committee passed H.R. 2990, the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act (May 2016).
The House Ways and Means Committee approved H.R. 5169, the What Works to Move Welfare Recipients into Jobs Act (May 2016).
The House passed H.R. 5170, the Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act (June 2016). The bill would extend the TANF program through FY2017.
Tax Policy: The House Ways and Means Committee approved H.R. 4722, a bill to require the inclusion of an individual’s Social Security Number in order to claim the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit (March 2016).
Veterans: The House approved the Ruth Moore Act (H.R. 1607). The measure would extend mental health benefits to survivors of military sexual assault (July 2015).
The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved H.R. 1575, a bill to provide counseling services for women veterans recently separated from the Armed Forces (May 2015).
The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health approved H.R. 2257, a bill to improve reproductive treatments for certain disabled veterans (May 2015).
The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee passed H.R. 627, a bill to expand the Department of Veterans Affairs’ definition of homeless veterans to include those homeless as a result of domestic violence (May 2015).
In July 2015, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health passed H.R. 423, the Newborn Care Improvement Act.
The House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs approved a bill to pay certain veterans special compensation for the loss, or loss of use, of creative organs that results from a service-connected injury. The Department of Veterans Affairs defines “creative organs” to be reproductive organs and breast tissue (May 2016).
The House approved H.R. 5229, the Improving Transition Programs for All Veterans Act. The measure would evaluate programs to assist women and minority veterans as they transition to civilian life (May 2016).
Violence Against Women: In July 2015, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee passed the Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victims Empowerment (SURVIVE) Act (S. 1704). The bill contains provisions to provide services to victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault.
In November 2015, the Senate approved the Pro bono Work to Empower and Represent (POWER) Act (S. 2280). The bill would promote pro bono legal services as a way to assist survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
WIC Program: The House Education and the Workforce Committee approved H.R. 5033, the Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act. The bill would reauthorize the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (May 2016).
