By Gwen MooreAs the leading voice on the Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act (H.R. 159) and the Rape Survivor Child Custody Act (H.R. 1257), both of which were included in therecently passed Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (S. 178), Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) issued the following statement: “Most Americans tend to think of human trafficking as a foreign… Read more »
By Irin CarmonWASHINGTON – Rep. Gwen Moore had a confession to make: She had sold herself short. “I was the one who stayed up all night and wrote the brilliant speech,” she said Wednesday at a conference here. “I was the one who crunched the numbers and made him feel brilliant. And I was very happy to be in the shadows.” Moore, a Democrat from… Read more »
By Dylan MatthewsNowadays, many left-of-center policy types have been wondering whether we should increase Social Security. Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich makes the case — in cartoon form — in the video above. You can read a transcript here. The basic issue here is that many Americans aren't saving enough for retirement. Optimistic assessments say that nearly… Read more »
Most Americans tend to think of human trafficking as a foreign issue, as if our country were somehow immune to such horrific darkness. Unfortunately, these atrocities are taking place in our own backyards at alarming rates, and they're happening to the most vulnerable among us. Needless to say, we cannot stand idly by while women and children are traded and sold like modern-day slaves. Victims of such abhorrent practices need allies in their corner, and I take pride in knowing Congress has finally decided to get into the fight. Read more »
By Gwen MooreWhen you’re trying to feed your family and stretch a dollar, steaks and short ribs don’t make it to your grocery list. As one of nine siblings in a low-income household in Wisconsin, my mother made a habit of buying inexpensive stewing meat for us. These tough cuts of beef came in handy when shopping on a budget, but if Missouri lawmakers have their way, stewing… Read more »
By Rebecca GaleJust when you thought selfies couldn’t get any more prevalent, the ONE Campaign comes in strong with a new one. It’s called a #strengthie: a selfie that pays homage to the “Rosie the Riveter” and “We Can Do It” images of female empowerment. Members of Congress, including Sen. Edward J. Markey and Reps. Katherine M. Clark, Joeseph P.… Read more »
By Kevin CirilliHouse Democrats are looking to force a vote on reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank.House Democratic leadership filed a discharge petition Thursday in an effort to compel a vote on the 80-year-old bank before its charter expires on June 30. For the maneuver to succeed, 218 House members must support it. The effort is led by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi… Read more »
By Rachel BadeThe House on Thursday passed a final budget deal, bringing Republicans one step closer to enacting a spending blueprint that sets the stage for this summer’s spending bills.The chamber passed the framework, 226-197. It would balance the budget in 10 years without raising taxes, and pave the way for sending an Obamacare repeal to the president’s desk. The… Read more »
The deep fractures within the Republican Party have not only left them feckless in their ability to govern, but have also led them to go against their own policies. Today's rush by House Republicans to push this flawed budget conference report agreement to a vote violates their own three day rule, which stipulates that a bill must be public for three days before it can be voted on. More importantly, such dysfunction has made it harder for those battling poverty to provide for their loved ones, compromised the health coverage of everyday Americans, and hampered our capacity to innovate and grow our economy. Read more »
In many cases across the country, survivors of abuse and assault lack sufficient access to vital services and treatment like emotional counseling, health services, and legal aid. The bipartisan Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights Resolution addresses this concern and sends a clear message to survivors everywhere that they deserve equal treatment and that they are not alone. Read more »