March 8, 2022 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on International Women's Day: "I join in celebrating International Women's Day, when we pay tribute to women's contributions to our nation and to the world while recognizing the challenges they confront from inequality and injustice. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and experience the fastest and strongest economic recovery in our nation's recorded history, it is essential that Congress make sure that the millions of women who left the workforce to care for loved ones are able to return to their careers and pursue economic security and success. I'm proud of the work our Democratic Majority in the House has done to advance these goals. "In the 117th Congress, House Democrats moved swiftly to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act to raise women's wages by ensuring that equal work means equal. We've affirmed the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to ban discrimination on the basis of sex in the Constitution. Moreover, one year ago this week, we enacted the American Rescue Plan that made it possible for schools and businesses to reopen safely and for millions of women to get back into the workforce. In November, we came together to pass transformational legislation that would significantly lower the cost of child care for working families, make education and housing more affordable, and provide paid family leave for new parents. Our Majority is committed to helping women succeed in our economy and get ahead. "At the same time, we've voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act to strengthen protections against domestic abuse, sexual assault, stalking, and other crimes that have traditionally targeted women in our country. Keeping our promise to defend women's access to reproductive choice, we passed the Women's Health Protection Act to ensure that women always have legally guaranteed access to the full range of reproductive health care no matter where they live. I have also been proud, as a founding Member of the Congressional Black Maternal Health Caucus, to support ‘Momnibus' legislation to improve women's access to perinatal care so that we can address disparities in care and outcomes for mothers and their babies. "As we mark International Women's Day, I want to pay special tribute to the women who continue to defend our nation in uniform, risking their lives and safety to protect our democracy and our interests around the world. It is an honor to serve alongside the largest number of women serving as Members of Congress in history. Together, House Democrats will continue leading the way forward for women's equality, women's opportunity, women's rights, and women's success."