House Republican Policy Committee launches Working Group to Empower Women

Press Release

Today, Republican Policy Committee Chairman Luke Messer (IN-06) and Congresswoman Martha McSally (AZ-02) announced the official launch of the Republican Policy Committee Working Group on Women in the 21st Century Workforce.

Women generally earn 79 cents on every dollar men earn. Four out of ten American families look to women as the sole breadwinners, and the National Institute on Retirement Security reports that women are 80% more likely than men to be impoverished at age 65 and older. Multiplied over a whole career, a woman earns approximately $430,000 less than a man throughout her lifetime.

"It's no secret women face barriers in the workplace every day," said Chairman Messer. "As a nation, we have to do better. And, as a husband, father of two daughters, and the son of a single parent mother, I want to be part of the solution to find ways to improve outcomes for all women."

The working group will be chaired by Congresswoman McSally, a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the first woman in our nation's history to pilot a fighter plane in combat and command a fighter squadron.

"I grew up being told you could be whatever you want to be, but the reality is, today, women still face barriers to achieving their full potential simply because of their gender," said Congresswoman Martha McSally, who is Chairwoman of the group. "Every woman and girl out there deserves the full opportunity to achieve her dreams. That's why this working group will listen to women, thought leaders, and experts to examine the root causes holding women back and identify solutions that can actually make a difference. I thank Chairman Messer for partnering on this effort and for his leadership on the Policy Committee to take on this issue. I look forward to working with him and all the members of the working group to help empower women with the opportunity they deserve."

The working group will focus on four key pillars related to women in the workforce: expanding opportunity, increasing flexibility, removing barriers, and empowering the next generation. Republican Members will engage in a series of listening sessions around the country, meet with relevant organizations, think tanks, and scholars, and hold hearings and roundtables. The group's goal is simple - identify solutions for expanding opportunity and improving outcomes for women.

"There is no one better than Martha McSally to take on this task," said Messer. "Throughout her entire career she has fought to break down barriers and combat discrimination. I believe I speak for everyone in the working group when I say, we, as Republicans, want to open up opportunities for all women, and Martha is an outstanding leader for that effort."

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