Women of Note
Jo Freeman: With the 116th Congress the Party Gap has Become a Party Chasm
Jo Freeman writes: While many have greatly lauded this great leap upward over the 112 women who were M.C.s during 115th Congress, few have noted that this gain was almost entirely among Democrats. Of the 36 women elected to the House for the first time, only one is a Republican. Of the 3 new Senators, only one is a Republican. Women are now 25 percent of both houses of Congress, but not of both parties. Women are over one-third of the Democratic Caucus in both houses (36% and 39%), 15 percent of Republicans in the Senate, and only 8 percent of Republicans in the House. more »
S. 3749 ... Congressional Accountability Bill Including Protections Against Sexual Harassment Finally Passes and Is Headed for the President's Desk for Signature
“Sexual harassment goes far beyond the cases you read in the headlines — it’s not just about the rich and famous, but also the nurse, or the teacher, or the line worker at the factory. Today, Congress sent a message that workplace harassment of any kind is unacceptable,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar said. “The time has come to stop protecting politicians and to start supporting victims. All men and women deserve a workplace free from harassment.” “Today, the House and Senate came together to end a broken process that failed victims for far too long,” Sen. Roy Blunt said. “This bipartisan, bicameral agreement will protect the rights of victims and ensure perpetrators are held accountable for conduct unacceptable in the Congress or any workplace. I thank Senator Klobuchar and House and Senate leadership for getting this bill through Congress and on its way to the president’s desk.” more »
The President, Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Nancy Pelosi ... "I am proud to shut down the government for border security," the president says
President Trump clashes with House and Senate Democratic leaders Representative Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer over border security and government funding during an Oval Office meeting. As Senator Schumer termed it, 'a temper tantrum'. Rep. Nancy Pelosi referred to the looming government shutdown threatened by President Trump as a 'Holiday present for the American public from the President'. more »
I Never Thought I'd See ... Chambermaids Do Not Seem to Be in Any Danger of Being Replaced by Chambermisters
Rose Madeline Mula writes: It’s interesting to note that in some areas men are managing to withstand female infiltration. Doormen are still doormen, for example. I know that I, for one, have yet to see a door woman. Since Joan Rivers’ failed foray into the arena, late-night TV hosts are still male. Since Oprah’s retirement, Ellen DeGeneres still rules the afternoon; but will we ever see a Stephanie Colbert or Jenny Kimmel after dark? Females, on the other hand, unfortunately, seem to have a lock on less prestigious, less lucrative careers. more »