WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Lawrence (MI-14) introduced the Women’s Equality Workforce Oversight Act (WE Work Act), which would increase oversight of federal agencies that impact women in the workforce, to ensure they are fulfilling their supportive mission and hold the White House accountable. The bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an annual study evaluating agencies and programs that focus on women in the workforce, in light of evidence that this Administration has undermined and undervalued these programs.

“Offices across our government have a mission to help women participate in the workforce, get fair wages and working conditions, and opportunities for advancement. However, the current Administration has shown neglect and disrespect for these offices, including a 20% decrease in staff at the Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, halting collection of equal pay data, and proposing to eliminate the Women in Apprenticeships program. They have also threatened budget cuts that would slash services for working women. The WE Work Act will investigate the Administration’s actions and help us answer important questions about how they are impacting women in the workforce.”

“Millions of working women in the United States still face significant barriers to economic security and stability, including low wages, unequal pay, discrimination and harassment, barriers to better jobs and new occupations, and inadequate workplace flexibility. Fairness and equality for women is essential to the success of American families and our nation as a whole. We need more than just words and promises, we need oversight, we need facts, and we need accountability. This is why I’m proud to introduce the WE Work Act to support women in the workforce.”

Lawrence is a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which is responsible for ensuring that federal agencies do their job to serve the American people. She also serves as Vice Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Women’s Issues and the Democratic Women’s Working Group, where she leads efforts to support working women.

Background:

The WE Work Act requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the agencies that most impact women in the workforce, to determine:

•Whether they have changed their policies and efforts on women’s participation in the workforce, fair compensation, paid leave, workplace supports for pregnancy and families, participation in non-traditional and higher-paying jobs, and enforcement of workplace rights.

•Whether they have decreased their services to women, including: outreach to community organizations, constituent services, grants and small business loans, apprenticeship programs, actions against discriminatory companies, and public education on key workplace issues.

•How any funding cuts and staff reductions have impacted their ability to assist women.

The bill also asks GAO to analyze the most significant barriers to women’s participation in the workforce and future opportunities to reduce those barriers.

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