WAND/WiLL Women Take Leadership Roles in the 112th Congress

The 112^th Congress has certainly already had an eventful year, and it is only February! As both the Senate and the House kick into high gear, it is time to look at the role that WAND/WiLL Women (WWW) will play in Congress during this formative period. WWW are among the most influential members of the House and the Senate. From the most well-known, like Nancy Pelosi and Carolyn McCarthy, to newcomers Frederica Wilson and Terri Sewell, these women are sure have a generous impact in the coming months and years.

While the number of women is Congress did go down after this past election, WWW are holding their own in committees and positions that are at the heart WAND’s mission statement. There are four WWW on the House Budget Committee: Rep. Allyson Schwartz (PA), Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL), and Rep. Gwen Moore (WI). The Budget Committee holds a lot of clout in Washington and will play an integral role in WAND’s successes. Its members make essential decisions in regards to which programs get federal funding, how much they get, and where they can spend it. On the Senate side, WWW continue to play a vital role. Sen. Patty Murray (WA) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (MI) are both sitting members on the Senate Budget Committee, which is responsible for Congress’ Budget Plan.

Along with both of Congress’ Budget Committees, WWW are also present in the area of Foreign Affairs. Two WWW and influential senators, Barbara Boxer (CA) and Jeanne Shaheen (NH), serve on the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee. This committee is instrumental in the area of nuclear weapons. It was active in the passage of New START, which was one of WAND’s main projects this past year. Looking forward, these two women are sure to work with the rest of the Committee to deal with the issue of nuclear weapons, as well as others that help to balance the United States’ role in the world. On the other hand, in the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, there are 45 members. Of these 45 members, only seven are women, with three of them Democrats. Frederica Wilson (FL) and Allyson Schwartz (PA), both WWW, make up two-thirds of Democratic women in the Foreign Affairs Committee. These women will play an increasingly important role as the United States continues to deal with the shifting world order.

Along with serving on committees central to WAND’s work, the women of WAND and WiLL serve their country in other ways as well. Six WWW serve on the Science, Space, and Technology House Committee. Five committees are chaired by WAND/WiLL women. Many women, such as Terri Sewell (AL), Rosa DeLauro (CT), and Shelley Berkley (NV), have leadership roles within the Democratic Caucus. While there are fewer women in the 112^th Congress than there was in the past, you can be confident that WAND/WiLL women will continue to have an impact in Washington and make a difference regarding issues that affect you.

This post was written by WAND/WiLL DC Intern, Katie Waller.