Congressional Bipartisan Women’s Caucus

Congressional Bipartisan Women’s Caucus. The Congressional Bipartisan Women’s Caucus is a bicameral legislative member organization in the United States Congress established to foster collaboration among women lawmakers across party lines. Founded in 2023, its primary mission is to advance policy solutions on issues disproportionately affecting women and families. The caucus operates with co-chairs from both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party, emphasizing its foundational commitment to cross-aisle partnership.

History and formation

The caucus was officially launched in September 2023 by founding co-chairs Lisa McClain and Nikki Budzinski. Its formation was motivated by a desire to counter increasing political polarization and to create a formal, structured forum for women members of Congress to find common ground. The establishment followed a period where bipartisan groups like the Problem Solvers Caucus and the Senate Women’s Caucus demonstrated the value of cross-party dialogue. The founding members cited specific legislative challenges, such as reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act and addressing the maternal mortality crisis, as catalysts for creating a dedicated bipartisan women’s coalition. The launch was announced at a press conference held at the United States Capitol, garnering support from various advocacy organizations.

Membership and leadership

Membership is open to all women serving in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, regardless of political affiliation. The caucus is led by two co-chairs, one from each major party, and two vice-chairs, also split by party. The inaugural leadership team featured Representative Lisa McClain of Michigan and Representative Nikki Budzinski of Illinois as co-chairs, with Representative Jen Kiggans of Virginia and Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington serving as vice-chairs. This leadership structure is designed to ensure equal partnership and has included members from diverse ideological backgrounds within the Republican Conference and the House Democratic Caucus. Notable members have also been involved with other groups like the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues and the Blue Dog Coalition.

Policy priorities and legislative activity

The caucus focuses on a defined set of issues where bipartisan consensus among women lawmakers is deemed achievable. Key legislative priorities include supporting women-owned small businesses, improving maternal health outcomes, combating human trafficking, and ensuring affordable child care. Early activities have involved hosting briefings with experts from institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Small Business Administration. The caucus has worked on legislation to expand the Child Tax Credit and to provide resources for survivors of domestic violence through programs authorized by the Office on Violence Against Women. Its model often involves introducing companion bills in both chambers and seeking endorsements from external groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Women’s Law Center.

Impact and influence

In its initial years, the caucus has sought to amplify the influence of its members within the often fragmented power structures of Congress. By presenting a unified, bipartisan front on select issues, it aims to increase the likelihood of legislative passage in bodies like the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Its impact is measured not only in bills passed but in shifting the tenor of debate, providing a counter-narrative to partisan gridlock. The caucus’s public events and joint op-eds in outlets like The Washington Post have raised the profile of its policy goals. Its formation was noted by political observers as a significant development in the evolution of women in the United States Senate and women in the United States House of Representatives.

Relationship with other caucuses and organizations

The caucus maintains collaborative relationships with several other congressional member organizations while maintaining its distinct bipartisan and women-focused identity. It coordinates on overlapping issues with the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, the Senate Women’s Caucus, and the Bipartisan Working Group. Externally, it engages with advocacy coalitions such as MomsRising, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the National Association of Women Business Owners. These partnerships are crucial for building support for its legislative agenda outside the Capitol Hill complex. The caucus deliberately differentiates itself from single-party groups like the Democratic Women’s Caucus by its foundational rule of bipartisan co-leadership on all initiatives. Category:Political and advocacy groups in the United States Category:Women's political advocacy groups in the United States