Global Gag/Mexico City Policy (H.R. 1055), introduced by Representative Nita Lowey (NY-17), would end the dangerous Mexico City Policy, also known as the “global gag rule,” which threatens to pull U.S. funding from foreign NGOs who discuss a full range of reproductive health and family planning options with women. Under President Trump, the Mexico City Policy was dramatically expanded, impeding U.S. partnerships with health organizations on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19 and Ebola. This legislation concluded the 116th Congress with 197 cosponsors in the House. Foreign Policy for America supported the legislation.
Trans Ban H.Amdt. 509 to H.R. 2500, offered by Representative Jackie Speier (CA-14), requires that qualifications for eligibility to serve in in the military account only for the ability of an individual to meet gender-neutral occupational standards, effectively overturning the Trump administration’s discriminatory ban on transgender individuals from serving in the military. Anyone who meets the necessary qualifications should be allowed to serve in the U.S. military. The House passed the amendment by a vote of 242-187. Foreign Policy for America supported the amendment.
Supporting gender equality means empowering women across every aspect of their lives. In reflection of that, Foreign Policy for America chose to score a collection of legislation that encompasses many of the areas in which women are either excluded or disproportionately affected across the world. We scored positively members who cosponsored at least three of these bills:
• The International Violence Against Women Act (H.R. 5267), introduced by Representative Jan Schakowsky, would require the United States to develop a global strategy to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. This legislation concluded the 116th Congress with 138 cosponsors in the House. (2019)
• The Keeping Girls in School Act (H.R. 2153), introduced by Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21), improves access for adolescent girls around the world to receive a secondary education. This legislation garnered 117 cosponsors in the House in the 116th Congress and ultimately was passed by voice vote. (2019)
• The Support UNFPA Funding Act (H.R. 4722), introduced by Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), would restore U.S. funding for the United Nations Population Fund. This legislation concluded the 116th Congress with 126 cosponsors in the House. (2019)
• The Afghan Women’s Inclusion in Negotiations Act (H.R. 4097), introduced by Representative William Keating (MA-09), would require the State Department to report on the participation of women in the Afghan peace process.This legislation concluded the 116th Congress with 38 cosponsors in the House. (2019)
• The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights (HER) Act (H.R. 1055), introduced by Representative Nita Lowey (NY-17), would repeal the “global gag” rule. This legislation concluded the 116th Congress with 197 cosponsors in the House. (2019)
• The Women and Climate Change Act (H.R. 1880), introduced by Representative Barbara Lee (CA-13), would address climate change and its specific effects on women and girls. This legislation concluded the 116th Congress with 55 cosponsors in the House. (2019)
• The Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality (GLOBE) Act (H.R. 3874), introduced by Representative Dina Titus (NV-01), would enhance protections for LGBTQI+ individuals around the world. This legislation concluded the 116th Congress with 87 cosponsors in the House. (2019)
• The Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act (H.R. 1581), introduced by Representative Katherine Clark (MA-05), would require the annual human rights report to include the status of reproductive rights in countries receiving U.S. foreign assistance. This legislation concluded the 116th Congress with 145 cosponsors in the House. (2019) • The Safe from the Start Act (H.R. 4092), introduced by Representative Grace Meng (NY-06), would help prevent gender-based violence around the world. This legislation concluded the 116th Congress with 50 cosponsors in the House. (2019) • The Girls’ Leadership, Engagement, Agency, and Development (LEAD) Act (H.R. 6626), introduced by Representative David Trone (MD-06), would require a U.S. strategy to strengthen adolescent participation, particularly girls, in democracy and governance.This legislation concluded the 116th Congress with 46 cosponsors in the House. (2020)
