WCPI Monthly Dispatch: January 2026

Happy New Year!

Welcome to the new edition of the WCPI Monthly Dispatch! We hope you are entering the year ahead with renewed energy and staying warm and safe in the midst of this winter weather. As we move into the new year, we’re continuing to create spaces where bipartisan collaboration thrives, and women’s policy takes center stage. Whether you’re a stakeholder, a congressional staffer, or a long-time partner, we’re grateful to have you with us.

Today, let’s dive into what’s happening, what’s coming, and what to keep an eye on in the world of women’s policy.

Policies to Keep an Eye On:

Here’s a quick look at issues gaining traction on both sides of the aisle:

• Childcare: Members are working to eliminate childcare deserts and lower costs, while simultaneously helping providers overcome staffing shortages to build more sustainable business models.
• Caregiving: Lawmakers have a continued interest in strengthening support for caregivers without adding administrative burdens.
• Housing: Efforts are underway to explore how to address the nation’s housing crisis, boost housing supply, and simplify regulations to provide more affordable options for homeowners and renters.
• Affordability: Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle continue to explore tangible steps to bring everyday prices down as the cost-of-living increases.
• Women Veterans: Bipartisan attention is rising around policies aimed at addressing military sexual trauma (MST), improving healthcare at the VA, transition support, and career opportunities.
• STEM: Lawmakers are conducting bipartisan meetings to further discuss the need for AI regulations and governance.
• Health: Members are exploring bipartisan solutions to lower the cost of insurance premiums, as they have increased after the Affordable Care Act subsidies have lapsed.

We’ll be tracking these developments by sharing updates as the year progresses.

Leadership Spotlight: Bipartisan Women’s Caucus

This month, we’re highlighting the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus Co-Chairs Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Vice-Chairs Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and Janelle Bynum (OR-05), who remain dedicated to creating bipartisan spaces and drafting common-sense policies on behalf of the American people. Their leadership helps ensure women’s voices are central to national policy conversations, which is no small task in a busy legislative year.

We applaud their ongoing work to champion issues that matter to women and families across the country.

Click here to learn about the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus’ priorities for the 119th Congress.

Upcoming WCPI Events

WCPI’s 2026 Annual Congressional Gala Reception will be held on April 22, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

Each year, this event brings together high-ranking administration and federal agency officials, corporate and labor supporters, senior congressional staff, leaders from national women’s organizations, and individual supporters to celebrate WCPI’s mission of advancing women in leadership and shaping public policy.

Click here for more details!

Thank You!

We’re committed to making our work even more accessible, more collaborative, and yes—more enjoyable to engage with.

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