WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/25/08) - Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI) has been elected vice-chairwoman of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues. In January, when Congress reconvenes for the first session of the 111th Congress, Representative Moore will become a key leader in the U.S. House of Representatives on issues affecting women. Congresswoman Moore’s tenure will last for two years and she will serve with Chairwoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and two Republican members of Congress.

“I am truly honored that my colleagues have entrusted me to be a leader in the largest bi-partisan caucus in Congress,” said Moore.

“The poor economy will continue to bring new challenges to women and their families, and this Caucus will be more proactive than ever when it comes to addressing their needs,” Moore said.

The Women's Caucus, established in 1977 by a bipartisan group of women, originally gathered in the Capitol to inform female Members about issues important to women, identify and create women’s legislation, follow floor action and support caucus legislation by testifying before committees and monitoring government initiatives affecting women.

Since its inception, membership for the caucus and females in the U.S. House of Representatives has grown from 15 to 74 in 2007. Currently, all female members in the U.S. House of Representatives belong to the caucus.

In the 110th Congress, Representative Gwen Moore and the Women’s caucus championed and passed in the House H.R. 1014, the Heart for Women Act, which sought to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular illness among women. Though the legislation was not signed into law, the caucus has indicated it will reintroduce H.R. 1014 in the 111th Congress.

In addition, the caucus will pursue legislation that seeks to reduce deaths during childbirth, combat human trafficking and sexual and domestic violence, address the backlog of DNA evidence in rape cases, and increase support for women in the military on a variety of issues from multiple deployments to maternal leave to sexual harassment.

“I am excited about what our caucus will be able to accomplish in the upcoming Congress,” said Congresswoman Moore.

“Not only will we tackle the tough issues women face but we will move an agenda forward that will empower women of all ages," Moore continued.

"I am hopeful that this pursuit will achieve tangible results for the women of America,” Moore added.