Welcome to the April edition of WCPI’s Monthly Dispatch! As National Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to a close, we must remain committed to listening to and honoring survivors while working together to bolster awareness and the prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse in our workplaces and communities. At WCPI, we are steadfast in bringing women together across the aisle to advance the issues that matter the most to women and their families.
During the 119th Congress, Members of Congress moved various reforms on behalf of women and their families, such as:
- The Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act (H.R. 2347), led by Reps. Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) passed the U.S. House of Representatives in bipartisan support in April 2026 and currently resides in the Senate. Click here to learn more.
- The TAKE IT DOWN Act (S. 146), led by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), was signed into law by President Trump in May 2025. Reps. Maria Salazar (R-FL) and Madeleine Dean (D-PA) sponsored the House companion bill (H.R. 633). Click here to learn more.
- The PROTECT Our Children Reauthorization Act (S. 539), led by Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), was signed into law by President Trump in December 2025. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) sponsored the House companion bill (H.R. 1274). Click here to learn more.
Leadership Spotlight
Earlier this month, Bipartisan Women’s Caucus (BWC) leadership sent a letter to the House Appropriations Committee calling for increased federal investment in menopause research and provider education—highlighting a critical gap in women’s health policy.
Despite affecting nearly every woman, menopause remains under-researched and under-discussed, with real impacts on health and workforce participation.
WCPI applauds the BWC leadership for continuing to champion women’s health, a longstanding priority for the Caucus since its inception in 1977.
WCPI Gala!
Last week, WCPI held our annual Congressional Gala Reception, which brought together federal agency officials, corporate and labor supporters, senior congressional staff, leaders from national women’s organizations, and individuals to celebrate bipartisan women’s leadership.
Thank you to the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus Co-Chair, Emilia Sykes (D-OH), and Vice Chair, Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), for honoring Congresswomen Katherine Clark (D-MA) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK) for their extraordinary service.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for honoring their wonderful Chiefs of Staffs, Lisa Goes and Terri McCullough, who exemplify the tireless dedication, leadership, and behind-the-scenes work required to keep our institutions running.
We celebrate their ongoing work in mentoring the next generation of women leaders in public service and applaud their steadfast commitment to fostering the bipartisan cooperation necessary to advocate for issues important to women and families across the country.
This special evening would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and ticket-holding attendees. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 WCPI Congressional Gala Reception, and a very special thanks to our gala sponsors for making this event possible.
Thank You!
As always, if your office or organization is interested in partnering with WCPI, hosting an event, or suggesting topics for future briefings, we’re just a message away.
Warmly,
Jennifer Lockwood-Shabat
President
Women’s Congressional Policy Institute