Issue Position: Women

Issue Position

There is no one I respect more than my mother, Carmen. She is a trailblazer and a local school district employee who served New Mexico's children. My mother helped shape me into the person I am today, and I am so grateful for her guidance and support.

I want every woman and girl living in the United States to have the same opportunities as my mom -- and it's why I've championed issues like equal pay, stopping violence against women, and supporting a women's right to choose. Women continue to face barriers in our society, and it is the responsibility of all leaders to dismantle the burdens that get in the way of equality. If elected, I will be a champion in the Senate for policies that uplift women and girls.

This is not just a talking point for me. I have always prioritized bringing diverse and female voices to the leadership table while in Congress. The senior-most advisors in my congressional office have been women since my first days in the House, and I currently have a leadership team that is 87 percent women and people of color. Actions speak far louder than words when it comes to a commitment to gender and diversity, and I'm proud of my record lives up to that commitment.

Abortion is a key part of women's health, equality, and economic security. But politicians continue to pass laws with the goal of making it more difficult ― if not impossible ― for women to get an abortion.

With increased threats to abortion care, we need to protect women's health and ensure that abortion remains safe and legal. Medical decisions should be made by patients and doctors, not politicians. This is why I am a proud cosponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act which would prohibit states from imposing medically unnecessary on safe, legal abortion care. I'm proud that New Mexico does not have any of the major types of abortion restrictions--such as waiting periods, mandated parental involvement or limitations on publicly funded abortions--often found in other states.

For too long, politicians have interfered in women's health decisions by banning insurance coverage for abortion and creating medically unnecessary regulation. I am committed to taking bold action against federal and state abortion restrictions. This is why I am a cosponsor of the Equal Access for Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Woman Act. This bill would repeal the Hyde Amendment and requires health insurance plans to include coverage of safe, legal abortion care.

Enabling women and couples to determine whether or when to have children has contributed greatly to improved public health. The widespread use of contraceptives has been the driving force in reducing unintended pregnancies. Family planning has also improved maternal and child health and helps women participate fully and equally in society. I am proud to have fought for the largest-ever funding increase to the Title X program -- the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing individuals with birth control and related preventive health services.

My Record on Supporting Women and Women's Rights

Women should earn equal pay for equal work. I was proud to cast a vote for the Paycheck Fairness Act to close the persistent wage gap between men and women -- a wage gap that is significantly wider for women of color.
Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act was a top priority for House Democrats. We strengthened protections for women who face violence at the hands of their partners and worked to ensure our laws support survivors. Critically, we have now finally been able to add a provision providing new support for Native women who face disproportionate levels of violence.
One of the proudest votes I have taken was for the Equality Act, which bars discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals based on their gender identities, sexuality, and orientations. I've also spoken out forcefully for the need to secure justice for trans women who are often abused, harassed, or face violence because of their gender identity.
Secured $400 million for the Title X health program, which funds the health care needs of more than 15,000 women in New Mexico.
Proud co-sponsor of the Equal Access for Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Woman Act and the Women's Health Protection Act.
Authored legislation to provide funding for educational materials for pregnant women making pain management decisions during pregnancy to reduce the risk of addiction in expectant mothers and their babies.
Author of the State Public Option Act, the only universal health care coverage legislation that explicitly repeals the anti-choice Hyde Amendment.
I am proud to receive a 100 percent congressional ranking from NARAL Pro-Choice America, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and the Human Rights Campaign.
I introduced the Save for Success Act to increase the ability of working families to save for college. The legislation makes higher education more achievable by allowing families to claim up to $250 of the AOTC every year they save for their child's future education.
My Child Health Outreach and Mentorship Program Act helps states enroll more children in health care coverage by expanding the outreach and enrollment grant program. Specifically, the bill authorizes $100 million in federal funding for CHIP outreach and enrollment grants dedicated to providing more children with health coverage and allows trained parent mentors to be eligible for these grants. Women with children deserve support to help keep their families healthy and safe, and I am proud to lead on new ways to make sure children always have the health care they deserve.

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