This week saw continued firsts for the Biden-Harris administration: the first time a woman vice president and woman Speaker of the House joined the president for his address to a joint session of Congress; the first Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on President Biden’s first federal judicial nominees (the most diverse nominees of any president); and the first presidential plan focused on women and children — The American Families Plan — which alongside the American Jobs Plan lays out a bold vision for an economy that works for all of us.

Thanks to all of you — your calls, emails, lobby visits — NCJW achieved nine of our top ten priorities within the first 100 days!

Of course, the work continues beyond the president’s first 100 days! Going forward, we have two ways for you to stay up to date and continue to take action:

1. Time-sensitive updates on our legislative priorities will be found on ncjw.org/news. We’ll have regular and ongoing updates throughout the week, so no need to sift through your inboxes or wait for an email — you can learn more about our issues any time you want.

2. NCJW’s Action Alert emails will be coming your way! Look out for a digest of top priority actions and why your voice is needed!

What is it?

The American Families Plan, along with the American Jobs Plan, are once in a generation opportunities to rebuild our economy in a way that centers those most harmed by both the COVID-19 pandemic and our nation’s structural inequalities — women, and in particular, women of color. Many NCJW priorities are reflected in the plans, including paid family and medical leave, expanded nutrition assistance, tax credits to lower health insurance premiums, investments in child care and education, and extending the expanded child tax credit (CTC).

While the plan is a bold effort to build back an economy that works for all of us, the $1.8 trillion package has some gaps we will ask Congress to fill, including making the extended child tax credit permanent; implementing policies guaranteeing access to and facilitating enrollment in affordable and comprehensive health coverage; and a path to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients, and essential workers

How does it relate to our past work?

Throughout our history, NCJW has advocated for policies that enable women, children, and families to thrive. Many of these policies, including paid family and medical leave and enhanced nutrition assistance, are in this proposal. Further, NCJW has advocated for federal legislation addressing the health and economic emergencies impacting the country and particularly women of color, since the start of the pandemic. Together with our network of advocates, NCJW has successfully helped inform and pass previous relief bills, including the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, CARES Act, HEROES Act, and the American Rescue Plan.

What can I do now?

The president’s plan is just the first step. Now the ball is in Congress’ court to turn this vision into legislation. Take Action! Contact your elected officials now to ensure that legislation inclusive of our priorities is introduced and passed as soon as possible!

• Ensuring Coverage for Abortion Care: On April 9, President Joe Biden released his summary budget. This document made no mention of the Hyde Amendment, a budget provision prohibiting federal insurance plans and programs from covering abortion care. The announcement of the president’s total budget is anticipated for late May or early June. Based on previous promises to end Hyde and to support sexual and reproductive health and rights, we do not expect to see abortion coverage restrictions in this document either.In the meantime, Congress can still take action to end this racist and discriminatory policy. Led by women of color and their allies, the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Act (HR 2234/S 1021) would mandate coverage of all pregnancy-related care, including abortion, in federal health plans and programs and prohibit political interference in private insurance coverage of abortions.Take Action! Urge your lawmakers to support the EACH Act today to ensure that abortion care is there for all of us — however much we earn, wherever we live, and whoever we are.
• DC Statehood: On April 22, the House of Representatives passed HR 51. The bill, which would grant statehood and voting representation in Congress to the District of Columbia, now heads to the Senate.Take action! Tell your senators to support the Senate version of the bill, S 51.
• Hate Crimes: The Senate passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act (S 937), which included an NCJW priority bill, the Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer NO HATE Act, as an amendment on April 22. The NO HATE Act would improve hate crimes reporting and expand assistance and resources for victims of hate crimes. The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act would direct the Department of Justice to expedite the review of hate crimes related to COVID-19 and increase resources available to communities impacted by pandemic-related hate crimes. It’s time for the House to take up this or a similar bill.Take action! Tell your representative to support the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act as passed by the Senate or similar legislation.
• Judicial Nominations: President Biden released the names of three additional federal court nominees this week: David Estudillo for the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington; Tana Lin for the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington; and Christine O’Hearn for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. And, on April 28, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a joint hearing on the nominations of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and Candace Jackson-Akiwumi to the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. It has been 10 years since the Senate confirmed a Black woman to serve on a federal appellate court.Take Action! Urge your senators to support the confirmations of Ketanji Brown Jackson and Candace Jackson-Akiwumi!
• Transgender Rights and Equality: The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) withdrew a Trump-era proposed rule that would have allowed federally funded emergency shelters and other facilities to exclude transgender people and others based on gender identity. The Trump proposal was designed to roll back critical protections found in HUD’s 2016 Equal Access Rule, which ensured access to shelters based on a person’s self-expressed gender identity. NCJW submitted comments strongly urging HUD to withdraw Trump’s proposal and is committed to ending bullying and discrimination against LGBTQ people and opposing attempts to use “religious liberty” laws as a smokescreen for discrimination.

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NO BAN Act Passes House

April 22, 2021, Washington, DC-National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) celebrates House passage of the NO BAN Act. NCJW Chief Policy Officer Jody Rabhan released the following policy statement:

“National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) believes that families belong together. We also believe that no one should be prevented from coming to the United States based on where they are from or how they worship. To this end, we fought hard against the previous administration’s Muslim and African Bans and for passage of the NO BAN Act, which today passed the House of Representatives. This critical legislation would prevent future blanket entry bans based on religion and put in place key congressional notification and reporting requirements as important safeguards against any future abuses of the authority to suspend or restrict the entry of non-citizens.

“The Torah commands us va’ahavtem et ha-ger — love the stranger. As Jews, we remember World War II, where many of our community sought safety in the United States, only to be turned away out of prejudice and under the pretense of security. We understand the pain and terror of having no place to go. Blanket entry bans of whole categories of people must never happen again. The Senate must take up the NO BAN Act to ensure that America is a place where everyone is welcome.”

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 180,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice, and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.

NCJW advocates across the country met the guilty verdict of Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd with relief and sadness. The road to racial justice is long and the fight is far from over. As gun violence disproportionately impacts Black communities, as states pass more than 400 bills to suppress the vote, as Washington, DC still struggles to become a state, institutionalized racism keeps our nation from realizing its full potential. Jewish values have demanded, and continue to demand, that we fight for a world that honors the irrefutable preciousness of every human being, with just systems and structures to support that. NCJW has long been committed to the work of antiracism and, as ever, our work continues. We are grateful to be in this important struggle with all of you.

Read on to learn more about NCJW’s work this week for women, children, and families.

As we enter into the final week of the Administration’s first 100 days, NCJW is thrilled to have accomplished nine of our priorities. There are more confirmations ahead, including a Senate Judiciary Committee vote to advance the nomination of Kristen Clarke to serve as Assistant Attorney General at the Department of Justice. NCJW is proud to work with this administration to confirm the most diverse nominees across the White House and government agencies in history.

As always, our work continues beyond the first 100 days! Be sure to check out NCW’s Action Alerts and take action to advance policies for women, children, and families.

• Equal Pay: The House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Fairness Act on April 15. The bill would update and strengthen the landmark 1963 Equal Pay Act to help close the gender wage gap by closing loopholes that allow employers to justify paying workers unfairly, creating more robust remedies for those who have suffered discrimination, and other important remedies. NCJW supports this bill and urges the Senate to follow suit.Take action! Tell your senator to prioritize passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act.
• Blanket Entry Bans: NCJW applauded President Biden’s decision to rescind the Muslim and African Bans on his first day in office. But we need to make sure similar blanket bans cannot be issued in the future. On April 21, the House of Representatives passed the NO BAN Act (HR 1333), which would outlaw discrimination based on religion in the entry of immigrants or nonimmigrants. It would also put in place critical congressional notification and reporting requirements. Presidents would still have the power to issue narrow bans justified by the evidence in the name of national security — but they would no longer be able to ban an entire community without culpability.
• Childcare: Last week, the Biden Administration announced the release of $39 billion of American Rescue Plan funds to states, territories, and tribes to address the child care crisis caused by COVID-19. These funds will help early childhood educators and family child care providers keep their doors open. These providers have been on the frontlines caring for the children of essential workers, especially mothers, who want to get back to work. The funds are a critical step to pave the way for a robust economic recovery and a more equitable future.
• DOJ Nominations: On April 21, the Senate voted (51-49) to confirm the nomination of Vanita Gupta as the Associate Attorney General of the Department of Justice. NCJW supported Vanita Gupta’s historic nomination — the first woman of color and civil rights lawyer to serve in one of the top three positions at the Justice Department.
• Judicial Nominations: The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to hold a hearing on the nominations of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, the nation’s second-highest court, and Candace Jackson-Akiwumi to the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, on April 28. NCJW supports both nominees who would bring a commitment to equality and justice to the federal bench. Take Action! Urge your senators to support the confirmations of Ketanji Brown Jackson and Candace Jackson-Akiwumi!

With the House and Senate still on recess, we are preparing for a busy three weeks upon their return. Notably, the Senate Judiciary Committee just scheduled a hearing at 10am on April 14 on Kristen Clarke’s nomination to head the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ). On April 15, the Senate is expected to vote on Vanita Gupta’s nomination to serve as Associate Attorney General at DOJ. With a long history of defending our civil rights, these historic nominees, supported by NCJW, are day one ready to work for justice.

Take Action:

• Tell your senators to confirm Kristen Clare and Vanita Gupta!
• Join NCJW’s Twitterstorm to #ConfirmClarke on April 13, 2-3 pm ET.
• Watch the hearing on April 14 starting at 10 am ET.
• Join NCJW’s Twitterstorm to #ConfirmGupta on April 15, 2-3 pm ET.

Check out NCJW’s work this week to improve the lives of women, children, and families.

What is it?

This plan was announced last week and addresses long standing economic and racial inequities by focusing on transportation, caregiving, housing, school, manufacturing, water, broadband, and the power grid. While the legislation has yet to be drafted, NCJW is pleased the effort aims to bolster both our physical and technological infrastructure along with the care economy. We look forward to legislation in Congress that leads to job creation, builds roads, trains and supports home health care workers, and ensures a more equitable economy.

How does it relate to our past work?

Since the start of the pandemic, NCJW has advocated for federal legislation addressing the health and economic emergencies impacting the country and particularly women of color. Together with our network of advocates, NCJW has successfully helped inform and pass previous relief bills, including the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, CARES Act, HEROES Act, and the American Rescue Plan.

What can I do now?

Take action by emailing your senators! Let them know that the significant public investment outlined in the plan is good for the economy. Underinvesting will hurt the very people harmed the most already in this crisis and prevent the country from getting back on track.

Today, President Biden announced six executive actions to reduce gun violence:

• limiting ghost guns (sold without serial numbers);
• providing $5 billion for community violence interventions;
• nominating a gun safety advocate to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF);
• strengthening extreme risk laws;
• issuing an annual report on gun trafficking to provide data to inform life-saving solutions; and
• addressing stabilizing braces like the shooter used in Colorado last month to turn a pistol into a rifle.

NCJW is thrilled to share that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended its enforcement of the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone throughout the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic. This completes our eighth of the top 10 priorities! More details below.

Additionally, Congress is back from recess, prioritizing civil rights in both the House and Senate. In the House, committees voted on DC Statehood, the NO BAN Act, and a reparations study. In the Senate, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Kristen Clarke’s nomination to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division and voted on a procedure to move forward on Vanita Gupta’s nomination to serve in the #3 position at DOJ.

Take action now:

• Contact your senators to Confirm and Clarke and Gupta
• Register for a women’s community mobilization call cosponsored by NCJW supporting both nominees on Monday, April 19 at 7 pm ET.

Keep reading to check out our work this week to advance the lives of women, children, and families!

What is it?

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy has long forced those seeking mifepristone to pick up the abortion medication in person at a clinic or hospital. Mifepristone, when used together with another medicine called misoprostol, is approved by the FDA to end an early pregnancy (70 days or less since the first day of the last menstrual period). This in-person dispensing requirement does not exist for any of the other 20,000 plus FDA-approved drugs on the market. While a nationwide injunction had initially lifted this medically unnecessary restriction during the pandemic to protect patient health and public safety, the US Supreme Court reinstated it in January 2021. This week, the FDA suspended its enforcement of the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone throughout the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic. This significant victory for reproductive freedom means that, in states where the practice is not specifically prohibited, a clinician can now prescribe mifepristone via telehealth (i.e. during a long-distance visit using videoconferencing), and the abortion medication can be delivered by mail.

How does it relate to our past work?

NCJW supports every person’s right to access comprehensive, affordable, compassionate, and equitable abortion care in whatever setting they choose and at whatever time they choose. We know that scientific and medical evidence demonstrates that mifepristone can safely and effectively be prescribed remotely and does not need to be taken under medical supervision. Lifting medically unnecessary restrictions on this abortion medication is one of NCJW’s Top Ten Priorities for the First 100 Days of the Biden-Harris administration.

What can I do now?

Take Action! Add your name to NCJW’s petition thanking the Biden-Harris administration for their work to lift the in-person dispensing requirement during the pandemic and urging the FDA to do so permanently.

What is it?

On April 14, the Department of Health and Human Services released a proposed regulation to restore Title X, the nation’s family planning program that was dismantled under the previous administration. When finalized, this proposal will end the Title X gag rule, renewing the ability for providers receiving program funding to discuss and refer patients for abortion care, along with other modifications to strengthen the program.

How does it relate to our past work?

NCJW has been committed to restoring Title X, the only federal grant program dedicated to providing individuals, particularly those struggling to make ends meet and the uninsured, with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services. We joined the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association and other partners to urge the Biden-Harris administration to take these immediate and simple steps to restore Title X.

What can I do now?

A 30-day public comment period began today, when the rule was officially published. At the end of the month, NCJW will provide template comments on our website expressing our support for this rulemaking, which will better ensure access to equitable, affordable, client-centered, quality health care services for Title X patients. In the meantime, you can watch our webinar on influencing policy through administrative advocacy.

What is it?

Hate crimes and incidents are surging across the country, particularly against Asian Americans. Yet 86 percent of law enforcement agencies reported zero hate crimes in 2019, and many other agencies did not report at all. Accurate, consistent reporting allows the government and local nonprofits to know where, when, and how to provide community resources in response to hate crimes. This week, the bipartisan Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer NO HATE Act was introduced in the House and Senate. The bill would improve hate crimes reporting and expand assistance and resources for victims of hate crimes.

How does it relate to our past work?

NCJW has long advocated for mandatory hate crime reporting, and precisely the NO HATE Act. In 2020, the House passed the bill as a section of the Heroes Act (a COVID-19 pandemic relief bill), but the Senate did not take it up.

What can I do now?

Take action! Tell your members of Congress to support the NO HATE Act. With your help, this critical bill can become law.

• COVID-19 Community Corps: NCJW is proud to be a founding member of the national volunteer COVID-19 Community Corps, a US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiative to galvanize trusted messengers in the fight against COVID-19. Visit hhs.gov/COVIDCommunityCorps today to learn more and join us in the fight to protect America’s health. Click here for sample social media and communications you can use to spread the word.Take action! Take our pledge to get vaccinated and help others to get do so, then post it online on your favorite social media channel.
• NO BAN Act: The NO BAN Act, which would prevent future administrations from banning entire communities from entering the United States, was marked up in the House Judiciary Committee this week. NCJW sent a statement of support to the committee, and a full vote on the House of Representatives floor is expected next week. On his first day in office, President Biden rescinded the Muslim and African Ban, which prohibited visitors and immigrants from several countries, most of which were majority-Muslim. However, it’s still critical to pass this legislation to prevent similar bans from happening in the future.Take action! Tell your representative to vote YES on the NO BAN Act next week.
• DC Statehood: HR 51, which would grant statehood and voting representation in Congress to the District of Columbia, was marked up by the House Oversight and Reform Committee this week. NCJW supports this legislation and urges passage when it comes to the House floor for a vote next week.Take action! Tell your representative you support DC statehood.
• Paid Sick Days: This week, the Healthy Families Act was reintroduced in the House and Senate. This bill, long supported by NCJW, would allow most workers to earn up to seven job-protected, paid sick days a year.Take action! Tell your lawmakers to cosponsor and support the Healthy Families Act.
• EACH Act: On April 9, President Joe Biden released his summary budget. This document made no mention of the Hyde Amendment, a budget provision prohibiting federal insurance plans and programs from covering abortion care. While we await the announcement of the President’s full budget without Hyde — one of NCJW’s top ten priorities for the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration — we can still take action to end this racist and discriminatory policy. Led by women of color and their allies, the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Act (HR 2234/S 1021) would mandate coverage of all pregnancy-related care, including abortion, in federal health plans and programs and prohibit political interference in private insurance coverage of abortions.Take Action! Urge your lawmakers to support the EACH Act today to ensure that abortion care is there for all of us — however much we earn, wherever we live, and whoever we are.

This week the administration released its first slate of judicial nominations, including nine women, seven of whom are women of color. The groundbreaking list of nominees includes Ketanji Brown Jackson, a nominee to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, the country’s second-highest court. NCJW supports her nomination and encourages the Biden administration to continue to nominate and the Senate to confirm fair, independent, diverse, and qualified judges.

What is it?

On March 30, President Biden released his intent to nominate 11 judicial candidates, including nominations to the DC Circuit and Seventh Circuit Courts of Appeals. Of the 11 candidates, 10 are lifetime appointments on the federal bench. NCJW is pleased to see the president holding to his past public commitments by releasing one of the most diverse nomination slates in US history. Two of the three women nominated to circuit courts are Black women: Ketanji Brown Jackson to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, the second-highest court in the country, and Candace Jackson-Akiwumi to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (currently an all-white court). It has been nearly ten years since a Black woman was confirmed to any circuit court. NCJW supports Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination.

How does it relate to our past work?

For the past 20 years, National Council of Jewish Women has been a leading voice in the fight to ensure a fair and independent judiciary with an unwavering commitment to constitutional rights. Our powerful grassroots network educates their communities about the importance of the federal judiciary and advocates for court vacancies to be filled by nominees who are fair, independent, and qualified, and that our federal bench reflects the diverse communities it serves.

What can I do now?

This week’s slate is an exciting start, but our work is only just beginning. Sign NCJW’s petition to the Senate urging them to confirm fair, independent, diverse, and qualified nominees who will ensure justice for all. Educate your community on why courts matter, and check NCJW’s CourtsMatter website often for updates on judicial nominations.

Anti-Asian bigotry:
In response to the tragic murders in Atlanta, President Biden announced new actions to address anti-Asian violence and xenophobia. They include:

• Reinstating and reinvigorating the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, with an initial focus on anti-Asian bias and violence;
• $49.5 million in funding for AAPI survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault; and
• Establishing a Department of Justice cross-agency initiative to address anti-Asian violence.

For the People Act:
NCJW and Workers Circle are teaming up for “April Actions for Democracy” to advocate for the For the People Act (S1). This democracy reform bill would strengthen and restore voting rights, offer new protections for voters, end the dominance of big money in politics, and implement anti-corruption, pro-ethics measures to clean up government. Watch this call recording and dive into the April Actions for Democracy toolkit to learn how to take action.

American Jobs Plan:
On March 31, President Biden announced the next phase of pandemic recovery, titled the American Jobs Plan. The $2 trillion infrastructure plan includes a section on the care economy, including investing in childcare infrastructure, enabling a well-trained and well-paid home care workforce, and improving childcare, home care, and eldercare options. As an organization devoted to improving the lives of women, children, and families, we applaud the president’s commitment to the care economy, which we know is disproportionately shouldered by women and women of color.