ABQ Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. —This week, members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) joined advocates and moms from the National Women’s Law Center, MomsRising, Community Change Action and Zero to Three to call on House Republicans to prevent a devastating default and stop holding the American economy hostage. 

At the press conference, lawmakers and advocates made clear that the cuts House Republicans have proposed aren’t just numbers on a page, they would have real-life, devastating consequences for women and families across the country—and would mean more hungry kids, veterans stripped of their benefits, fewer child care slots, more parents unable to go to work, and steeper challenges for families to get nutrition assistance, health care, and housing.They also highlighted that House Republicans’ threat of default would mean a disastrous economic catastrophe that would cause financial instability and devastating job loss that would hit families and moms already struggling the hardest.

“Republicans are holding middle class families hostage to pass their extreme MAGA agenda and give tax cuts for the wealthy,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “A default on America's debt would eliminate jobs, increase housing costs and threaten retirement plans.  As Republicans push America to the brink of default, Democrats are united in fighting for women and families.”

"I want the American people to know today about what is actually going down in this chamber. We have spent months trying to get a debt ceiling passed—this is a manufactured crisis,” said DWC Member Services Co-Chair Rep. Stansbury. “House Republicans are using this moment to negotiate to take away your programs, your freedom, your right to be able to make your own decisions about how you raise your family, the way you put food on the table, and the way you put a roof over your head. That's what this is about–and we are standing firm for our families."

“To my House Republican colleagues: you must listen to the women and families across the country who would be impacted by your cruel proposal. The cuts you have proposed aren’t just numbers on a page, they would have real-life, devastating consequences that women would not soon forget. That’s why we’re fighting back, standing up, and speaking out. No matter what, the Democratic Women’s Caucus will make sure women’s voices are heard in the halls of power,” said DWC Chair Lois Frankel.

“The GOP-manufactured debt ceiling crisis has the country on the edge of a catastrophe. And what do Republicans want to do? Not only do they want to increase their so-called work requirements, but they want to stop states from being merciful to vulnerable women, children, and families. This debate around so-called work requirements is about resurrecting the welfare queen narrative and alleging that the most vulnerable Americans are unworthy of the full rights to housing, health care, and food on the kitchen table. I say to my Republicans colleagues, raise the debt ceiling, don’t default on our debt, and don’t default on our families!” said DWC Comms Co-Chair Gwen Moore.

This press conference follows a letter from the National Women’s Law Center and 84 gender justice organizations urging Congress to raise the debt ceiling to avoid a default and find a path forward that protects women and families. In the letter, the organizations made clear that “women would be disproportionately hurt” by Republicans’ cruel plan.

Issues: Community Well-Being Congress Economy and Jobs Health Care Veterans Affairs, Voting Rights, and Good Government

Original source can be found here.