Celebrating Women's History Month

Press Release

This Women's History Month was busy and filled with powerful stories of strong women from all backgrounds. I was proud to lift some of their stories.

On International Women's Day, like many of you, I honored the strong and fierce women in my life. My wife, daughters, and grandchildren are the reason that I continue to work for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world. I celebrated this day with Dr. Jill Biden and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. It was great to spend the afternoon in the company of such inspiring, successful women. Together we celebrate the diverse accomplishments of women across our nation and renewed our commitment to work for a more inclusive and equal country

Throughout March, we highlighted women leaders in Southern Arizona. I encourage you to take a moment to listen to their stories that showcase appreciation for their mentors, heroes, and the women who have inspired them throughout their journeys. Many thanks to Supervisor Adelita S. Grijalva, Mayor Romero, City of Tucson Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz, and others who took the time to share their reflections with us.

Throughout my career, I've worked hard to champion women's issues and support policies that help working women and women of color. There's still much to be done to close the wage and racial gap for women, protect reproductive rights, and ensure that our laws reflect and empower women

Despite recent setbacks, we continue to fight for the rights of women in Arizona and across this country. In 2022, women are still dealing with pay inequality and the gender and racial wage gap. That's why I voted in support of HR 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act , that passed in the House. I call on my colleagues in the Senate to finally put an end to pay disparities and pass this legislation to provide all women equal pay for equal work.

President Biden recently signed into law HR 2471, a massive government funding bill that included $6 billion in funding for women, infants, and children. This will help millions of women, infants and children. This legislation also included the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) which includes amendments I introduced in the 116th congress that expand protections to help tribal victims and improve tribal criminal justice systems.

While Republicans and conservative state legislatures attack reproductive freedom, rest assured, I am committed to protecting the reproductive rights of women. Earlier this year, I cosponsored and voted in favor of HR 3755, the Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 , to protect an individual's ability to make decisions about their health de ella and provide protections for health care provider's ability to provide abortion services.

While Women's History Month comes to a close, our work is never finished. I'll continue to work in Arizona and Washington to empower women, girls and children to reach their fullest potential and fight against backwards laws and policies. Again, thank you to the women who play such a vital role in our lives and communities.

Peace,

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