In recognition of UN International Human Rights Day Tuesday, Congresswoman Lois Frankel and her colleagues have authored a letter to USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah urging support for reproductive and sexual health care as core human rights. The letter reads in part: “Today is Human Rights Day and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights–As former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton famously proclaimed, ‘women’s rights are hum... Read more

Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement after the Supreme Court announced it would hear two cases – Hobby Lobby v. Sebelius and Congestoga Wood Specialities v. Sebelius – related to the Affordable Care Act benefit that requires most employers to include contraception coverage in their health care plans. “Decisions about contraception belong to a woman with the advice of her doctor, not her employer,” Frankel said. “There is nothing more essential to a woman’s health than to b... Read more

Today the House passed Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22)’s amendment that would direct the military to examine the need for a new definition of rape and sexual assault in cases when someone abuses the Military Chain of Command. Frankel introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act in response to a constituent’s heartbreaking experience with sexual abuse in the United States Coast Guard. Frankel gave an impassioned speech on the House floor today on behalf of Elisha Morrow of... Read more

Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today attended her first bill signing as she joined President Barack Obama, as he signed into law the re-authorized Violence Against Women Act, a week after she helped pass this important bipartisan bill. Frankel also joined Members of Congress, women’s organizations, law enforcement officials, domestic violence survivors, tribal leaders and advocates who together fought hard to pass this important bill. “The Violence Against Women Act saves lives and both Demo... Read more

A day after the Senate passed a bipartisan Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) called on the House to quickly bring up and pass the bill. Frankel is co-sponsoring the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization (H.R. 11), which nearly mirrors the Senate-passed bill. Frankel joined House Democrats Wednesday at a press conference urging action in the House. “No woman should be afraid to go to work or be in her own home,” Frankel said. “Preventing domestic ... Read more

In honor of the 40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, today Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) delivered her maiden floor speech, which you can view here. Before speaking she led the House of Representatives in the Pledge of Allegiance. Floor speech as delivered: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade and the freedom of choice that this historic decision provides to all women in America. This is a very personal and private choice. When I gave birth to my son Ben, it... Read more