Female members of the House of Representatives GOP have their own answer to what they call the Democrats' made-up war on women.
The Women's Policy Committee, launched May 22, adds a "new perspective" on issues facing the Republican-led House, Speaker John Boehner said in a statement. He and Majority Leader Eric Cantor have voiced support for the new women's caucus.
"Make no mistake, these aren't just leaders on so-called ‘women's issue,' these are women leaders on all issues," Boehner said. "I am confident the Women's Policy Committee will offer a fresh, new perspective on a vast array of challenges confronting Congress and be an important voice for the Republican Conference."
Currently, 24 women representing 17 states serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Many of them hold key leadership positions on committees and in the Republican Conference.
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, who represents West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District, is part of the group. Capito said in a video produced by the House Republican Conference that she is "fighting to restore common sense and stability to the halls of Congress."
"The issues that women are concerned about are the same ones that men are concerned about — the economy, finding a job, gas prices and rising health care costs to name a few," she said in a statement. "We need to ensure that elected officials, male or female, stay focused on getting our economy back on track. We need to get more women running at all levels. In West Virginia, we have more and more women running for office, and that's a step forward in my eyes."
Other congresswomen featured in the video said they are using their experiences as wives, mothers, grandmothers, farmers or small business owners to shape and mold policy they said benefits all Americans.
Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Calif., and chairwoman of the committee, said women sometimes see things in a different context than their male counterparts.
"Today, our nation is confronting historic challenges – from a $15 trillion national debt to a sluggish economy that has suffered through 39 straight months of unemployment above 8 percent," she said in a statement. "As Republican women, we have some really unique ideas for moving our nation forward, and we're excited about working together to find solutions."
Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle, R-N.Y., and vice chairwoman, said she advocates for women across the country and takes that responsibility seriously.
"In homes across the country, women work, raise their children, pay the bills, take care of their homes, pay taxes and contribute in countless ways to the well-being of their communities," Buerkle said. "These women inspire me, and I take seriously the importance of advocating for them. I am grateful to be their voice in Washington. I am certain the Women's Policy Committee will further enhance our ability to serve women everywhere by educating members on the issues that impact women."
The committee will meet regularly and work to develop consensus positions and "be a strong voice on everything from pocketbook issues to health care to homeland security," according to a news release.
"Republican women are leading the charge on issues that matter most to small businessmen and women and working families throughout the country," Cantor said. "The newly-minted House Republican Women's Policy Committee will provide a much-needed forum for thoughtful deliberation as we work to address big challenges like tax reform, health care and our nation's debt. Through their varied backgrounds and personal experiences, the members of the House Republican Women's Policy Committee have a unique advantage in making the case for lower taxes, less government and red tape and pro-growth policies to get people back to work."
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WVNS. All Rights Reserved.
