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PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
ADMINISTRATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS
CLINTON ADMINISTRATION INITIATIVES TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER
Introduced Legislation to Prevent Discrimination Based on Genetic Information.
The President has introduced bipartisan legislation to prohibit health plans from
inappropriately using genetic screening information to deny coverage, set premiums, or to
distribute confidential information. In many diseases, such as breast cancer, we are
beginning to identify hidden genetic disorders which can spur early treatment. However,
genetic testing also can be used by insurance companies and others to discriminate and
stigmatize groups of people. In fact, studies show that a reason women do not get genetic
testing for breast cancer is because they fear the information will be used to discriminate
against them.
Took Action to Encourage Women to Follow National Cancer Institute's (NCI)
Recommendations That Women Undergo Regular Mammogram Screening at Forty.
To bring Medicare, Medicaid, and federal employee health plans in line with the NCI's
new recommendations, President Clinton is proposing that Medicare cover annual
screening mammograms beginning at age forty and to eliminate coinsurance and
deductibles for mammograms. The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) sent
letters to every state Medicaid director encouraging them to cover annual mammogram
screening beginning at age forty and make it clear that the federal government will
provide federal matching payments for these services. President Clinton also directed the
Office of Personnel Management to require all federal employee health benefit plans to
cover annual mammograms beginning at age forty and he is encouraging all private plans
to do the same.
Covers Annual Mammograms Screening for Medicare Beneficiaries. In his balanced
budget, President Clinton proposes to extend annual screening mammograms for
Medicare beneficiaries over the age of 40. This proposal would make coverage
consistent with the recommendations of most breast cancer experts.
Waives Cost-Sharing for Mammography Services. The President's plan eliminates the
copayment and deductible requirement for annual mammograms for beneficiaries over
age 40, thereby increasing early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Although
Medicare has covered screening mammography since 1991, only 14 percent of eligible
beneficiaries without supplemental insurance receive mammograms.
Prevents Women From Being Forced Out of the Hospital Only Hours After a
Mastectomy. In his State of the Union Address, President Clinton endorsed bipartisan
legislation to ensure that women are not forced out of the hospital before they are ready
because of pressure from their health plan. The Department of Health and Human
Services also recently announced that it was sending a letter to all Medicare managed
care plans making it clear that they may not set ceilings for inpatient hospital treatment or
set requirements for outpatient treatment, and that a woman and her doctor should make
decisions about what is medically necessary.
Builds on HHS Commitment to Breast Cancer Research, Prevention and Training.
Since the Clinton Administration has taken office, funding for breast cancer research,
prevention and treatment has nearly doubled, from about $276 million in FY 1993 to
$513 million in the President's FY 1998 budget.
Continues Department of Defense Funding for Breast Cancer Funding. In FY 1997,
the DOD will spend $112 million on breast cancer research.
Increases funding for Gene Research. HHS-funded research led to the discovery of
two breast cancer genes -- BRCA-1 and BCRA-2 -- which holds great promise for the
development of new prevention strategies. On October 26, 1996, President Clinton
announced $30 million in new funding for research into the genetic basis of breast cancer.
Educates Older Women to Use the Medicare Mammography Screening Benefit. The
First Lady launched a mammography campaign to inform and encourage older women to
use the Medicare mammography screening benefit.
Improves Mammography Quality Standards. In October 1994, the FDA implemented
a program for mammography standards in the United States to ensure that they meet
standards for equipment, personnel, record-keeping, and quality control. The standards
also require that facilities be inspected annually. Women can look for the FDA certificate
as evidence that the facility meets quality standards. Women can also find a certified
mammography facility by calling 1-800-4-CANCER.
Screens for Low-Income Women. CDC's National Breast Cervical Cancer Early
Detection Program offers free or low-cost mammography screening to low-income
elderly and minority women. On October 1, 1996, Secretary Shalala announced the
expansion of the program to all fifty states. The goal is to reduce breast cancer deaths
among these women by 30% and cervical cancer deaths by 900% through increased
mammographies and pap testing.
Promotes Imaging Technology. HHS is working with other federal agencies, including
NASA, the Defense Department, and the CIA, as well as private companies to adapt
high-tech imaging technology to improve the early detection of cancer in women. In
1996, HHS, in collaboration with the CIA, awarded $1.98 million to the University of
Pennsylvania to conduct a series of clinical trials of imaging technology from the
intelligence community- intended originally for missile guidance and target recognition-
to improve the early detection of breast cancer.
EMPOWERING WOMEN
The White House Agenda for Women
"It's time not only to make women full partners in government,
but to make government work for women."
-William Jefferson Clinton and Albert Gore, Putting People First
The Clinton Administration believes that economics is the central
driving issue among American women.
Empowering Women
Women business owners are starting businesses at twice the rate of their of their male counterparts. The Clinton
Entrepreneurs
Administration has been a friend to these entrepreneurial women. The Small Business Administration has established a
women's mentoring program and made more business loans to women. And the Clinton Administration's Interagency
Committee on Women's Business Enterprise is working with women business leaders to create a public/private partner-
ship that will foster the growth and development of women-owned businesses.
Listening to Working
The Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor surveyed over a quarter of million working women to learn more
Women's Concerns
about their experiences in the workplace. At the President's direction, the Department of Labor and the Women's Bureau
are working to address the concerns raised by the survey participants - better pay and benefits, help balancing work and
family, and getting the recognition in the workplace that they deserve.
Making Work Pay
The President's economic plan is helping women in low-wage jobs provide for their families and stay off welfare through
the increased Earned Income Tax Credit. For working mothers with minimum wage jobs, the increased EITC is the equiva-
lent of up to a 40% pay raise.
Greater Economic Opportunities
The President strongly believes that the role of government is to give
people the tools they need to reach their potential. The President
has acted on this belief by expanding professional and educational
opportunities for women.
Access to Higher
The Income Contingent Loan Repayment program will allow participants who have received a student loan to make
Education
repayments based on their income. This allows people to take lower-paying jobs, or to leave their jobs - - for example, to
raise a family - without the penalty of loan default.
Goals 2000:
One of the national education goals established in the landmark Goals 2000: Educate America Act is to increase the num-
Educate America Act
ber of women and minorities who complete degrees in math, science and engineering.
School-to-Work
The President's School-to-Work Opportunities Act is assisting women and girls in developing the hands-on skills they
Opportunities Act
need to compete for rewarding jobs in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Expanding Educational & Professional Opportunities
The Clinton Administration has protected the right of American
women to make their own reproductive choices, assisted women in
exercising their right to vote and acted in the global arena to
improve the lives of women.
Protecting the
President Clinton repealed the "Gag Rule" that restricted abortion counseling at federally funded family planning clinics,
Reproductive Health
reyoked the import ban on RU-486, reversed the ban on abortion services at military hospitals, repealed the Mexico City
of American Women
policy that banned funding to international organizations that promote comprehensive family planning, and signed the
Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. The Administration implemented a change to the Hyde Amendment obligating
states to pay for abortions for poor women whose pregnancies result from rape or incest.
Increasing Access to
President Clinton signed the National Voter Registrations Act, enfranchising women who are on welfare, homebound, or
the Ballot Box
simply unable to build in extra time between work and family by allowing them to register to vote through the mail, at
motor vehicle registries and at other government offices.
Promoting the
The United States' delegation to the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo forged a partner-
Empowerment of
ship with more than 150 nations around a platform of action that promotes gender equality, reproductive health, and
Women Throughout
universally recognized human rights that apply to reproduction and recognizes the importance of addressing the threat
the World
posed to women's health by unsafe abortions.
Enabling Women to Make Their Own Choices
President Clinton pledged to appoint an Administration that "looked
like America." As the Baltimore Sun noted in an editorial, he has
delivered on that promise "more fully than even he could have
predicted. No Administration has ever produced such diversity."
Appointing Women
42 percent of President Clinton's appointees were women - by far the highest percentage of any Administration in
to Important
history.
Administration
Positions
The President appointed women to Cabinet-level posts never before occupied by women, induding Attorney General
Janet Reno, former Council of Economic Advisors Chair (now Assistant to the President for Economic Policy) Laura
D'Andrea Tyson, OMB Director Alice Rivlin, Secretary of Energy Hazel O'Leary, and Deputy Assistant to the President
and Director of Women's Initiatives and Outreach, Betsy Myers.
In addition, the President appointed women to other positions traditionally held by men. Female scientists holding
top-level government research and science policy-positions include the Chief Scientist at the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration and at the Department of Commerce, Deputy Director at the National Science Foundation,
Director of the Office of Energy Research at the Department of Energy, and Director for Defense Research and
Engineering at the Department of Defense.
Promoting Excellence
The President nominated 45 women out of a total of 141 nominees to the federal bench. 59% of all of the President's
and Diversity in the
judicial nominees are women and minorities.
Federal Judiciary
Because of President Clinton's appointments, as of July 1, 1994, qne of every four active federal judges was a
woman or a racial minority.
The proportion of the Clinton Administration's judicial nominees who received the American Bar Association's highest
rating exceeded that of the past three administrations.
Increased Voice in Government
In a typical year, 2.5 million American women ages 12 years and older
are raped, robbed or assaulted or are the victim of a threatened or
attempted violent crime. Two-thirds of these attacks are committed by
someone the victim knows. Enacted thanks to President Clinton's
leadership, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 will make
American women safer.
Combatting Gun
The President's "Crime Bill" banned military-style assault weapons. And the Brady Law is working to keep handguns out
Violence
of the reach of those who would use them criminally - including men under restraining orders for stalking, harassment
or other forms of domestic threats or intimidation.
Fighting Violence
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), part of the President's Crime Bill, takes a comprehensive approach to combat-
Against Women
ting domestic violence and other violence against women.
VAWA will improve the responses of police, prosecutors and judges to these crimes, enhance lighting at bus
stops and other dark public places, force sex offenders to pay restitution to their victims and triple funding for
battered women's shelters. And under the Act, the authority of a "stay away" order obtained against an abuser
will no longer stop at the state line.
On March 21, 1995, the President announced the appointment of Bonnie Campbell as Director of a special
Violence Against Women Office at the Department of Justice. The President also announced $26 million in STOP
Grants to states to bolster their law enforcement, prosecution and victims services to bettter address violence
against women.
Extending Civil
Under VAWA, victims of gender motivated felonies have a Federal civil rights remedy for the first time.
Rights Protections
Encouraging Women
VAWA extends "rape shield" protections to all criminal and civil cases involving alleged sexual misconduct, thereby bar-
to Speak Out
ring embarrassing and irrelevant inquiries into a victim's sexual history. And the Crime Bill allows victims of federal sex
crimes to speak at the sentencing of their assailants.
Increasing Safety and Security
The Clinton Administration has made an unprecedented commitment
to improving the health of American Women and ending inequities
in medical research and treatment.
Fighting Breast
Breast cancer is a growing threat to American women - the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer has risen from 1 in
Cancer
20 to 1 in 8 in just thirty years. The President has made the fight against breast cancer a national priority and brought
us closer to eliminating this threat.
The President has dramatically increased funding for breast cancer research - by 65% at NIH alone.
Right now, early detection through mammography is the best weapon we have against breast cancer. To make
sure that mammograms are reliable, the FDA has put in place quality standards for mammography facilities.
And the First Lady has joined with the Department of Health and Human Services to increase the rate of
mammography use among older wamen.
To make better screening methods available to women, the Public Health Service Office on Women's Health
and the National Cancer Institute have initiated an exploration into applying imaging technology used by the
defense, space, and computer graphics industries to the early detection of breast cancer.
Promoting Fairness
In the past, clinical researchers studying killer diseases like heart disease and cancer concentrated mainly on men. This
in Medical Research
Administration is ending this inequity - - to help America's women lead healthier lives and be treated more effectively
when they do get sick.
The largest clinical study ever conducted - - an NIH study of diseases affecting older women - is now underway.
And the President is making sure that women will no longer be left out of other important medical résearch. He
signed legislation requiring that women and minorities be included in all clinical research supported by NIH.
Combatting
AIDS is increasing at a faster rate among women than men. The administration is combatting AIDS in women by increas-
AIDS
ing the number of women participating in AIDS research. And the Administration is supporting research into women-con-
trolled barrier methods that will help women protect themselves from being infected.
Taking A
Other Administration women's health initiatives include researching how to prevent unnecessary hysterectomies, develop-
Comprehensive
ing a culturally sensitive medical school curriculum about women's health and establishing the first Department-level
Approach
position - Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health - - dedicated solely to improving women's health.
Improving Women's Health
The President and his administration are supporting women and
their families in times of need and encouraging values that make
families strong.
Supporting Families
Family crises can strike any family at any time, President Clinton signed the Family and Medical Leave Act, allowing
in Times of Crisis
workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for an'infant or ailing loved one without losing their jobs. Now
American workers are no longer forced to choose between their jobs and their families in times of crisis.
Improving Child
Some families - usually headed by women - are plunged into economic crisis and poverty when the absent parents fails
Support Collections
to pay child support. The President is working to get single parents and their children the support they need. On
February 27, 1995, the President signed an executive order to make the federal government a model employer in the
area of child support enforcement. And the President's child support plan, introduced as part of last year's welfare reform
legislation, would double federal child support collections by the year 2000.
Fighting Teen
To confront this national epidemic, the President has called for a National Campaign Against Teen Pregnancy, asking
Pregnancy
leaders in all areas of national life to join in promoting individual responsibility and economic opportunity for America's
young people. And the President's welfare reform plan, introduced last year, provided funding for community-based
initiatives to end teen pregnancy, as well as a National Clearinghouse to provide communities with information on suc-
cessful strategies.
Helping
Based on the recommendations of a bipartisan committee, the President and Health and Human Services Secretary
Disadvantaged
Shalala implemented quality improvements in HeadStart that moved this popular program for disadvantaged pre-
Preschoolers Achieve
schoolers into the 21st century. The Administration also initiated the creation of a new program to serve disadvantaged
infants and toddlers aged zero to three.
Preventing
President Clinton sponsored and signed the comprehensive Childhood Immunization Initiative, ensuring that children,
Childhood Disease
regardless of family income, will be vaccinated against disease. The Initiative is creating partnerships among the federal
government and state and local governments, health care professionals, and voluntary organizations to work towards the
goal of vaccinating at least 90 percent of all two-year olds with the full series of required vaccines by the year 2000.
Providing Healthy
President Clinton has increased funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children
Meals
(WIC) in each of his budgets. In 1995, approximately seven million women and children would benefit from this program.
Strengthening
The President's Family Preservation and Support Act is a billion-dollar program that provides an array of supportive
At-Risk Families
services to children and families designed to help strengthen them and prevent child abuse and neglect.
Increasing Parental
The National Family Involvement Partnership for Learning encourages efforts to help families take a more active role in
Involvement
their children's learning.
Supporting Strong Family Values
Clinton Administration's
Pro-Women/Pro-Family
Accomplishments
Fact Sheet
The White House Agenda for Women
"It's time not only to make women full partners in government,
but to make government work for women."
President William Jefferson Clinton
PROVIDING GREATER ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
The Clinton Administration believes that economic well-being of their families is central concern to American
women. President Clinton has made the economic growth of the country his top priority.
Shrinking the Deficit
The Clinton Administration implemented the largest deficit reduction package in history. The 1994 $505
billion plan reflects cuts in government and spending, while also providing tax relief for low-income families.
Middle Class Bill of Rights
The Clinton Administration believes that middle class families need help the most. The Middle Class Bill of
Rights, would give these families tax breaks and other financial help for education, children, health care and
buying that first home.
Creating More Jobs
The Clinton Administration has lowered the unemployment rate by creating over 6 million new jobs, most of
which are in the private sector. In fact, in just the last year, more jobs were created in high-wage industries
than in the previous five years combined.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Women business owners are starting businesses at twice the rate of their of their male counterparts. The
Clinton Administration has been a friend to these entrepreneurial women. The Small Business Administration
has established a women's mentoring program and made more business loans to women. And the Clinton
Administration's Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise is working with women business
leaders to create a public/private partnership that will foster the growth and development of women-owned
businesses.
Created Small Business Administration's Women's Demonstration Program and established training
and counseling centers for women across the country
Increased loans to women through Small Business Administration loan programs and now 24% of
total loans go to women.
Created the Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise
Signed the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act by expanding women business owners greater
opportunities to do business with the federal government as a new 5% goal.
Listening to Working Women's Concerns
The Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor surveyed over a quarter of million working women to learn
more about their experiences in the work place. At the President's direction, the Department of Labor and the
Women's Bureau are working to address the concerns raised by the survey participants - better pay and
benefits, help balancing work and family, and getting the recognition in the work place that they deserve.
To receive a Working Women Count report, call 1-800-827-5335 or (202)219-6652.
Making Work Pay
The President's economic plan is helping women in low-wage jobs provide for their families and stay off
welfare through the increased Earned Income Tax Credit. what is
ZP
Breaking Glass Ceiling Barriers
A fact-finding report from the Federal Glass Ceiling Commission shows that women bring needed
perspectives and experiences to the highest levels of corporate America. While women are still under
represented in executive suites, the report explodes many myths that are used to keep women from
achieving their full employment potential. The recent report found that women in the nation's largest
companies hold less than 5 percent of senior management posts. The number is lower for African-
Americans, Hispanic and Asians, who hold less than 1 percent each of those positions. In contrast, 45.7
percent of the work place are women. To receive a copy of the report, please contact the Government
Printing Office at (202)512-0132 and for further information on the Glass Ceiling Report call (202)219-7342.
Child Care
EXPANDING
The President strongly believes that the role of government is to give people the tools they need to reach
their potential. The President has expanded educational and professional opportunities for women and
reconfirmed the country's historic commitment to affirmative action.
Affirmative Action
President Clinton promised no retreat on federal affirmative action on July 19, 1995. President Clinton
ordered a review of the government's affirmative action programs to make sure they comply with the recent
Supreme Court decision.
Access to Higher Education
The Income Contingent Loan Repayment program will allow participants who have received a student loan to
make repayments based on their income. This allows people to take lower-paying jobs, or to leave their jobs
- for example, to raise a family - without the penalty of loan default.
National Service
The President firmly believes that National Service will change the way government works by allowing
students to pay for their education by serving their communities. Already, there are 20,000 Americorps
volunteers working in schools, hospitals, neighborhoods and parks, a number that's expected to more than
double. For further information on how to volunteer contact 1-800-942-2677.
School Loan Reform Act demonstretes
The School Loan Reform underscores the President's commitment to education. The new program allows
students more flexibility to repay their student loans. The plan also cuts bureaucracy and saves taxpayers
and students billions of dollars.
Goals 2000: Educate America Act
One of the national education goals established in the landmark Goals 2000: Educate America Act is to
increase the number of women and minorities who complete degrees in math, science and engineering.
School-to-Work Opportunities Act
The School-to-Work Opportunities Act encourages educational and career opportunities for all students,
including young women, by establishing a national framework for employer, labor, and education partnerships
at the state and local level. Partnerships help students make the vital connection between what they learn in
school and in the work place, preparing them for good careers as well as advanced education and training.
The Act requires states to set goals for preparing young women for growth occupations and nontraditional
employment through School-to-Work Programs and to develop methods for meeting these goals.
The President's School-to-Work Opportunities Act is assisting women and girls in developing the hands-on
skills they need to compete for rewarding jobs in fields traditionally dominated by men.
EMPOWERING WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD
The Clinton Administration has acted in the global arena to improve the lives of women.
Promoting the Empowerment of Women Throughout the World
The United States' delegation to the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo forged
a partnership with more than 150 nations around a platform of action that promotes gender equality,
reproductive health, and universally recognized human rights that apply to reproduction and recognizes the
importance of addressing the threat posed to women's health by unsafe abortions.
The Administration is planning a joint U.S /Canada summit on women's health through the
Department of Health and Human Services.
The Administration has a leadership role at the table of the World Health Organizations's Global
Commission of Women's Health.
INCREASED PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT
President Clinton pledged to appoint an Administration that "looked like America." He has also opened more
opportunities for women to serve in government.
Appointing Women to Important Administration Positions
42 percent of President Clinton's appointees were women - by far the highest percentage of any
Administration in history.
The President appointed women to Cabinet-level posts never before occupied by women, including
Attorney General Janet Reno, former Council of Economic Advisors Chair (now Assistant to the President for
Economic Policy) Laura D'Andrea Tyson, Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala,
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Carol Browner, Office of Management Budget Director Alice
Rivlin, Secretary of Energy Hazel O'Leary, Ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright and
Secretary of the Air Force Sheila Widnall.
In addition, the President appointed women to other positions traditionally held by men. Supreme Court
Justice, Director Office of National AIDS Policy, Deputy Director of Public Liaison, Managing Director National
Community Service, Deputy Secretary Department of Education, and Executive Director (U.S.) World Bank.
Female scientists holding top-level government research and science policy positions include the Chief
Scientist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and at the Department of Commerce, Deputy
Director at the National Science Foundation, Deputy Director at the National Institute of Health, Director of
the Office of Energy Research at the Department of Energy, and Director for Defense Research and
Engineering at the Department of Defense.
The President nominated 45 women out of a total of 194 nominees to the federal bench. 59% of all
of the President's judicial nominees are women and minorities.
Because of President Clinton's appointments, as of July 1, 1994, one of every four active federal
judges was a woman or a minority.
The proportion of the Clinton Administration's judicial nominees who received the American Bar
Association's highest rating exceeded that of the past three administrations.
Established White House Office for Women's Initiatives and Outreach
For the first time in 14 years, President Clinton established a special outreach office for women
appointing Betsy Myers as the director and Deputy Assistant to the President. This new office
serves as the public liaison between the public women's needs and the President and his
Administration. For more information call (202)456-7300 or fax (202)456-7311.
Increasing Access to the Ballot Box
President Clinton signed the National Voter Registrations Act, enfranchising women who are on welfare,
homebound, or simply unable to build in extra time between work and family by allowing them to register to
vote through the mail, at motor vehicle registries and at other government offices.
Women in the Military
The Clinton administration has opened nearly 260,000 new positions for women who wish to serve in the
military. In addition, the President has appointed the first woman company commander, the first female
service academy graduate, the first woman skipper, and the first female fighter pilot. Furthermore, President
Clinton nominated the Secretary of the Air Force, Sheila Widnall, two years ago, to become the first woman
to head one of the service branches.
INCREASING SAFETY AND SECURITY
In a typical year, 4.5 million American women ages 12 years and older are raped, robbed or assaulted or are
the victim of a threatened or attempted violent crime. Almost three-quarters of these attacks are committed
by someone the victim knows. Under President Clinton's leadership, the Violent Crime Control and Law
Enforcement Act of 1994 and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act will make American women safer.
Fighting Violence Against Women
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), passed as part of the President's Crime Bill, takes a
comprehensive approach to combating domestic violence and other violence against women.
The Violence Against Women Act will improve the responses of police, prosecutors and judges to
these crimes, enhance lighting at bus stops and other dark public places, force sex offenders to pay
restitution to their victims and triple funding for battered women's shelters. And, under the Act, the
authority of a "stay away" order obtained against an abuser will no longer stop at the state line.
It authorizes both a toll-free hotline and clearing house establishment to provide women, other
victims of violence, and health care professionals with immediate access to information and
confidential help.
On March 21, 1995, the President announced the appointment of Bonnie Campbell as Director of a
special Violence Against Women Office at the Department of Justice. The President also announced
$26 million in STOP Grants to states to bolster their law enforcement, prosecution and victims
services to better address violence against women. Every state has now been awarded $426,364
under this formula grant program.
On April 7, 1995 Attorney General Janet Reno signed federal guidelines that should lead to laws in
all 50 states requiring sexual offenders and child molesters to register with authorities. This will help
state law enforcement agencies communicate with each other regarding sex offenders who cross
state lines.
The Violence Against Women Act punishes domestic abusers who cross state lines. The first
conviction under this provision took place on May 23, 1995 in West Virginia.
Resources
For information on resources, programs, and grants contact the National Resource Center on
Domestic Violence at 1-800-537-2238.
National Victims Resource Center has over 130,000 documents on their database from courts,
police, to victims, statistics and more. Call 1-800-627-6872.
Combatting Gun Violence
The President's "Crime Bill" banned military-style assault weapons. And, the Brady Law is working to keep
handguns out of the reach of those who would use them criminally - including men under restraining orders
for stalking, harassment or other forms of domestic threats or intimidation.
Encouraging Women to Speak Out
The Violence Against Women Act extends "rape shield" protection to all criminal and civil cases involving
alleged sexual misconduct, thereby barring embarrassing and irrelevant inquiries into a victim's sexual
history. And the Crime Bill allows victims of federal sex crimes to speak at the sentencing of their assailants.
Community Oriented Policing
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services(COPS) at the Department of Justice, as part of its
efforts to put an additional 100,000 police officers on American's streets in community policing, is fully
committed to developing grant opportunities to assist communities to combat domestic violence. Funding will
be available during the current fiscal year through the COPS Innovative Community Policing Grants Program.
Extending Civil Rights Protection
In the Violence Against Women Act, the civil rights remedy was designed to complement existing federal civil
rights laws which do not protect women from gender-motivated violent crimes, e.g. rape and domestic
violence, have the right to sue their attackers for damages.
IMPROVING WOMEN'S HEALTH
The Clinton Administration has made an unprecedented commitment to improving the health of American
women and ending inequities in medical research, treatment, and public health professional education.
Protecting the Reproductive Health of American Women
President Clinton repealed the "Gag Rule" that restricted abortion counseling at federally funded family
planning clinics, revoked the import ban on RU-486, reversed the ban on abortion services at military
hospitals, repealed the Mexico City policy that banned funding to international organizations that promote
comprehensive family planning, and signed the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. The
Administration implemented a change to the Hyde Amendment obligating states to pay for abortions for poor
women whose pregnancies result from rape or incest.
Fighting Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a growing threat to American women - the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer has
risen from 1 in 20 to 1 in 8 in just thirty years. The President has made the fight against breast cancer a
national priority.
The President has dramatically increased funding for breast cancer research from $90 million in
1990 to $600 million in 1995.
Right now, early detection through mammography is the best weapon we have against breast
cancer. To make sure that mammograms are reliable, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
put in place quality standards for mammography facilities. And the First Lady has joined with the
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to increase the rate of mammography use
among older women.
To make more accurate screening and diagnostic methods available to women, the Public Health
Service Office on Women's Health and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have initiated an
exploration into applying imaging technology used by the defense, space, and computer graphics
industries to improve the early detection of breast cancer.
The President directed establishments of the National Action Plan of Breast Cancer, in conjunction
with the Department of HHS, a major public-private partnership to remove breast cancer as a threat
to American women.
Promoting Fairness in Medical Research
In the past, clinical researchers studying killer diseases like heart disease and cancer concentrated
mainly on men. This Administration is ending this inequity - to help America's women lead healthier
lives and be treated more effectively when they do get sick.
The largest disease prevention study ever conducted -the women's Health Initiative: an NIH study of
diseases affecting older women - is now underway.
Research on key women's health issues, such as ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, contraception, and
infertility, has been increased at the NIH.
And the President is making sure that women will no longer be left out of other important medical
research. He signed legislation requiring that women and minorities be included in all clinical
research supported by NIH.
The administration is implementing a program to detect and treat STD's that lead to female infertility
(chlamydia and gonorrhea) by proving screening programs.
Taking A Comprehensive Approach
Other Administration women's health initiatives include investigating how to prevent unnecessary
hysterectomies; developing a culturally sensitive medical school curriculum about women's health; creating
the Health Women 2000 initiative, a health education series to provide women with the tools they need to
lead longer, and healthy lives.
The President has established the first Department-level position-Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Women's Health, Dr. Susan Blumenthal, dedicated solely to improving women's health.
Enhancing Lives of Women and Children with HIV/AIDS
AIDS is increasing at a faster rate among women than men with 38% of women contracting the virus through
heterosexual contact in 1994. In this year alone, 14,000 women were diagnosed with AIDS - that's one-
quarter of AIDS cases among women reported since 1981. It is now the fourth leading cause of death
among U.S. women age 25-44.
Increased Funding
Under President Clinton, AIDS funding has increased by 40% including 108% increase for the Ryan White
Care Act Program, which covers a large number of women and children.
The President created a Presidential Advisory Council that make recommendations in the areas of
research, prevention, and care. And, an Interdepartmental Task Force on HIV/ AIDS chaired by
National AIDS Policy Director Patricia Fleming, and created the National AIDS Policy Council to
advise him on policy issues. The National AIDS Hotline is 1-800-432-AIDS.
Strengthening Research and Simplified Drug Development
The Administration is combating AIDS in women by increasing the number of women participating in AIDS
research along with supporting research into women-controlled barrier methods that will help women protect
themselves from being infected. He created the National Committee of AIDS Drugs Policy to identify and
eliminate all barriers for a speedy process approval of AIDS drugs.
Counseling for All Pregnant Women and Voluntary Testing Work
President Clinton is dedicated to combine strategy of HIV counseling and testing for all pregnant women. By
expeditiously approving changes of AZT to include treatment of HIV-infected pregnant women, to dramatically
reducing the rate of HIV transmission from mother to infant. For more information on o-76 Clinical Trial or
any other HIV/AIDS Clinical trial, call the AIDS Clinical Trial Information Service (ACTIS) at 1-800-TRIALS.
Aggressive Prevention Programs
Along with the enforcement of American's with Disability Act that prohibit discrimination against people with
HIV/AIDS, the president has also issued a directive requiring every Federal Employee to receive
comprehensive work place education on HIV/AIDS. To date, more than 3/4 of the Federal work force has
participated in such programs.
In the last two years, the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Housing
Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) program has provided $300 million to communities
with a high incidence of HIV infection to provide housing assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Women Veterans Care
A series of Veterans Administration health-care initiatives for women veterans was implemented,
including establishing four comprehensive health centers and four stress-disorder treatment teams,
as well as hiring counselors in 69 locations to treat the aftereffects of sexual harassment and
assault. For general information contact 1-800-827-1000.
The Veterans Administration has also established a new Women Veterans Program Office and
appointed Joan Furey as director. Through outreach, the VA office will improve medical benefits and
services by the contributions of women veterans.
BUILDING STRONG FAMILIES
The President believes in helping families in times of need and encouraging values that make families strong.
Supporting Families
President Clinton signed the Family and Medical Leave Act, allowing workers to take up to 12 weeks of
unpaid leave to care for an infant, spouse, or ailing loved one without losing their jobs. Now American
workers are no longer forced to choose between their jobs and their families.
Improving Child Support Collections
Increasing Parental Involvement Some families - usually headed by women - are plunged into economic
crisis and poverty when the absent parents fails to pay child support. The President is working to get single
parents and their children the support they need. On February 27, 1995, the President signed an executive
order to make the federal government a model employer in the area of child support enforcement. And the
President's child support plan, introduced as part of last year's welfare reform legislation, would double
federal child support collections by the year 2000.
Fighting Teen Pregnancy
To confront this national epidemic, the President has called for a National Campaign Against Teen
Pregnancy, asking leaders in all areas of national life to join in promoting individual responsibility and
economic opportunity for America's young people. And the President's welfare reform plan, introduced last
year, provided funding for community-based
initiatives to end teen pregnancy, as well as a National Clearinghouse to provide communities with
information on successful strategies.
Strengthening At-Risk Families
The President's Family Preservation and Support Act is a billion-dollar program that provides an array of
supportive services to children and families designed to help strengthen them and prevent child abuse and
neglect.
Increasing Parental Involvement
The National Family Involvement Partnership for Learning encourages efforts to help families take a more
active role in their children's learning through the development of family, school, and community partnerships.
More than 140 national organizations have pledged their support for the education program including parents,
employers, and religious organizations. For further information on getting involved, call 1-800-USA LEARN.
TAKING anouring CARE OF the OUR FUTURE
The President has demonstrated his support to the nation's children through a variety of programs.
Child Care Bureau
President Clinton established the Child Care Bureau to enhance the quality, affordability, and supply
of child care for all families by administering Federal child care programs to States, Territories and
Tribes.
Administers approximately $2 billion of Federal funds to assist low-income families in accessing
quality child care for children while parents work or participate in education or training.
The National Child Care Information Center (NCCIC) distributes the Child Care Bulletin and provides
general information at 1-800-616-2242.
Preventing Childhood Disease
President Clinton sponsored and signed the comprehensive Childhood Immunization Initiative, ensuring that
children, regardless of family income, will be vaccinated against disease. The Initiative is creating
partnerships among the federal government and state and local governments, health care professionals, and
voluntary organizations to work towards the goal of vaccinating at least 90 percent of all two-year olds with
the full series of required vaccines by the year 2000.
Providing Healthy Meals
Working with the Department of Agriculture, the President has worked towards better nutrition for all children,
including in the school lunch and breakfast programs and pregnant women and their infants.
President Clinton has increased funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,
Infants and Children (WIC) in each of his budgets. In 1995, approximately seven million women and
children would benefit from this program.
The School Meals Initiative will improve the health and education of children through better nutrition.
The Clinton Administrations proposals landmark legislation last year to substantially update school
meal nutrition standards for the first time since the program's inception 50 years ago. That mandate
will ensure that meals currently served at school are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans and current scientific nutritional recommendations.
Helping Preschoolers Achieve
Based on the recommendations of a bipartisan committee, the President and Health and Human Services
Secretary Shalala implemented quality improvements in Head Start that moved this popular program for
disadvantaged preschoolers into the 21st century. The Administration also initiated the creation of a new
program to serve disadvantaged infants and toddlers.
The White House Agenda for Women was prepared by the White House Office for Women's Initiatives and
Outreach. The Office is located in the White House complex at 708 Jackson Place, Washington, D.C. 20500
To reach the Office by phone, please call (202)456-7300. The fax machine can be accessed at (202)720-
7311.
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A Message From
President Bill Clinton
My grandmother and mother both worked outside the home -- at a
time when many women worked in their homes. They dealt with the
classic dilemma of balancing home and workplace.
Today, 58 million American women are in the workforce, half
of all workers. It's estimated that 99 percent of women in
America will work for pay sometime during their lives. Our
culture, however, hasn't made it easy. Each day, women struggle
with balancing working outside the home with whether they can
afford child care or with whether they will have enough time to
drive their children to school or to the doctor's office. On top
of balancing work and family, women still make only 72 percent as
much as men do for comparable jobs. We, as not only an
Administration but as a society, have an obligation to
institutionalize policies that will help women be successful in
the workplace and the home.
Since taking office, my Administration has created a
disciplined government and a sound economy. Our federal deficit
is coming down. More than 7 million jobs have been created. The
average annual inflation rate of 2.7 percent is the smallest
since President Kennedy. Our economic policies are making our
nation stronger. But I know we must go farther specifically to
target policies to make it easier for working women and families
in our changing and growing economy.
That's why I proposed the Middle Class Bill of Rights which
would help hard-working families meet the costs of raising and
educating their children. I signed the Family and Medical Leave
Act to allow men and women the peace of mind that their jobs
won't be in jeopardy purely because they need to take care of a
sick child. I expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit to give a
much-deserved tax break to working families. I've worked to
improve access to child care, increase enforcement of child
support, make improvements to women's health a priority and
worked to increase the minimum wage.
The unprecedented number of women appointees in my
Administration -- from my Cabinet to women serving throughout the
departments -- are helping make a difference. Each woman
appointee brings her experience and values that make government
more responsive to women and working families.
During the U.N.'s Fourth World Conference on Women, the
First Lady brought a much-needed focus to the vital issues facing
women and families across the world -- from making ends meet, to
education and training, to domestic violence, to health care. My
Administration will continue to zero in on these issues and
others to ensure that the policies coming out of Washington make
sense for women and families across the nation.
November 1, 1995
I. ENSURING FAMILY ECONOMIC AND JOB SECURITY
"Never before have American women had so many options -- or been
asked to make such difficult choices. It's time not only to make
women full partners in government, but to make government work
for women." --President Clinton and Vice President Gore,
Putting People First
Two-thirds of minimum wage workers are women.
More than half of low-wage workers are mothers.
of these, nearly half are sole providers.
Signed the Family and Medical Leave Act
The first bill President Clinton signed after taking office
was the Family and Medical Leave Act. This law allows workers to
take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for an infant, spouse, or
ailing loved one without losing their jobs. Women and men are no
longer forced to chose between their families and jobs.
Improved Access to Child Care
The Clinton Administration has launched initiatives to make
child care more affordable and accessible by including increases
to child care services in every budget and establishing a Child
Care Bureau to streamline operations of federal child care
programs. The Child Care Information Center can
be reached at: 1-800-616-2242.
Expanded Earned Income Tax Credit -- Making Work Pay
The President has expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit as a
first step to ensure that no child of full-time working parents
will have to live below the poverty line. The expansion gives a
tax cut to more than 15 million working families.
Committed to Increasing the Minimum Wage
The President's proposal would increase the minimum wage
from $4.25 to $5.15 over two years, through two 45-cent
increases. For a full-time, year-round worker at minimum wage, a
90 cent increase would raise yearly income by $1,800 -- as much
as the average family spends on groceries over seven months.
Strengthened Equal Opportunity for All Through Affirmative Action
Following an extensive review of affirmative action, the
President expressed his support that affirmative action is an
effective tool to expand economic and educational opportunity. He
emphasized that the programs must be designed to fit our ideals
of personal responsibility and merit.
Increased Enforcement of Child Support
Some families -- usually headed by women -- are plunged into
economic crisis and poverty when the absent parent fails to pay
child support. The President's child support plan, introduced as
part of his welfare reform legislation, would double federal
child support collections by the year 2000.
II. STOPPING VIOLENCE ON THE STREETS AND IN OUR HOMES
"If children aren't safe in their homes, if college women aren't
safe in their dorms, if mothers can't raise their children in
safety, then the American Dream will never be real for them, no
matter what we do in economic policy, no matter how strong we are
in standing against the forces that would seek to undermine our
values beyond our borders." --President Clinton, March 21, 1995
In a typical year, over 4.5 million American women
12 years and older are raped, robbed or assaulted
or are a victim of a threatened or attempted violent crime.
Signed the Violence Against Women Act
This act, which was part of President Clinton's crime bill,
takes a comprehensive approach to combating violence against
women. The law will improve the responses of the police and court
system to domestic violence crimes, enhance lighting in public
places, force sex offenders to pay restitution, increase funding
to battered women's shelters and ensure that a "stay away" order
obtained against an abuser will no longer stop at the state line.
Created the Violence Against Women Office
In March 1995, the President appointed a director of the new
Violence Against Women Office. The office leads a comprehensive
national effort to combine tough new federal laws with assistance
to states and localities to fight violence against women.
Signed the Brady Bill
The Brady law works to keep handguns out of the reach of
criminals -- including men under restraining orders for stalking,
harassment or other forms of domestic threats or intimidation.
The law: A five-day waiting period and background check.
Signed the Assault Weapons Ban
The assault weapons ban outlaws 19 deadliest assault weapons
and their copies, but specifically protects more than 650
legitimate sporting weapons. Cop-killing assault weapons, like
the UZI, are the weapons of choice for drug dealers and gangs.
Introduced Operation Safe Home to Fight Crime in Public Housing
To combat violent crime and white collar crime in public and
assisted housing, the Administration announced an aggressive
interagency effort for a more effective Operation Safe Home
Program. Between February 1994 and February 1995, local and
federal law enforcement agents arrested over 3,000 individuals
and seized over $1.5 million in drugs.
Passed Family Preservation and Support Act
This President-supported law created a program that provides
an array of supportive services to children and families,
designed to help strengthen them and prevent child abuse. This
program represents the first federal investment in prevention in
the child welfare system in more than a decade.
III. ENSURING EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR OUR FAMILIES
"Let's give our children a future. Let us take away their guns
and give them books. Let us overcome their despair and replace it
with hope." --President Clinton January 24, 1995
The typical college graduate earns 74 percent
more than a worker with a high school degree.
Created and Signed Student Loan Reform
The School Loan Reform program reflects the President's
commitment to education. The new program allows student borrowers
to secure educational loans quickly and easily, saving taxpayers
billions of dollars. It simplifies borrowing, lowers fees and
interest rates and offers more repayment choices.
Signed National Service Act
With passage of the National Service legislation, AmeriCorps
has 20,000 volunteers working in schools, hospitals,
neighborhoods and parks. President Clinton created this program
to enable participants to further their education while improving
and contributing back to their communities.
Signed School-to-Work Opportunities Act
The President's School-to-Work broadens education, career,
and economic opportunities for students not immediately bound for
four-year colleges through local partnerships among businesses,
schools, community organizations and state and local governments.
Students receive a high school diploma and a skill certificate
and employers have access to an educated, well-trained workforce.
Signed Goals 2000: Educate America
This comprehensive approach to supporting state and
community school improvement efforts is based on raising academic
and occupational standards, improving teaching and expanding the
use of technology. Goals 2000 is state and locally driven.
Committed to Head Start
The Head Start reauthorization of 1994, crafted with the
President's personal commitment, was based on a thorough review
of the history of the program. Head Start focuses on family
involvement, education, health and nutrition. Under President
Clinton: 131,000 children have been added to Head Start.
Secured Reauthorization of Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Designed primarily to help disadvantaged children, this act,
supported by the President, focuses on improvements in teaching
in more than 50,000 schools, helping impoverished children.
Supported Safe and Drug-Free Schools Act
This President-supported program expands security and
violence prevention in schools across the country by teaching
students the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and alternatives
to violence.
IV. ENSURING ACCESSIBILITY TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE
"Our families will never be secure, our businesses will never be
strong, and our government will never again be fully solvent
until we tackle the health care crisis."
--President Clinton,
February 17, 1995
Every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
Every 12 minutes another woman dies from the disease.
Improving Women's Health
Clinical research historically has concentrated on men only.
Under President Clinton, this inequity has been put to rest. The
largest clinical study ever conducted -- an NIH study of diseases
affecting older women -- is now underway. The President signed
legislation requiring that women and minorities be included in
all clinical research supported by NIH.
A Much-Needed Focus on Breast Cancer Research
The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer has risen from
1 in 20 to 1 in 8 in just 20 years. The President has
dramatically increased the funding of breast cancer research by
65 percent. To ensure that mammograms are reliable, the FDA has
put in place quality standards for mammography facilities. The
First Lady has joined with HHS to increase the rate of
mammography use among older women.
Strengthening Medicare -- Health Care for America's Seniors
President Clinton shares the belief with Americans across
the nation that health care for older citizens must be protected.
He stands firm against massive cuts of Medicare that are proposed
by Republicans to pay for tax cuts for the well off.
Increased AIDS Funding by 40 Percent
AIDS is increasing at a faster rate among women than men.
The Administration is increasing the number of women
participating in research and exploring women-controlled barrier
methods.
Protecting the Reproductive Health of American Women
President Clinton repealed the gag rule that restricted
abortion counseling at federally funded family planning clinics,
reversed the ban on abortion services at military hospitals,
repealed the Mexico City policy banning funding to international
organizations that promote comprehensive family planning and
signed the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
Women's Veterans Care
A series of Veterans Administration health-care initiatives
has been implemented under President Clinton, including
establishing four comprehensive health centers and four stress-
disorder treatment teams, and hiring counselors in 69 locations
to treat the aftereffects of sexual harassment and assault.
V. TAKING CARE OF OUR CHILDREN
"There are certain fundamental national needs that should be
addressed in every state, north and south, east and west --
school lunches in all our schools, nutrition for pregnant women
and infants All these things are in the national interest."
--President Clinton, 1995 State of the Union
More than 5 million children are hungry each month in the U.S.
One in eight children under age 12 goes to bed hungry.
Signed Childhood Immunization Plan
President Clinton sponsored and signed the comprehensive
Childhood Immunization Initiative, ensuring that children,
regardless of family income, will be vaccinated against disease.
The initiative is creating partnership among the federal
government and local governments, health care professionals, and
voluntary organizations. The goal: Vaccinate 90 percent of all 2-
year olds with the required vaccines by the year 2000.
Placed WIC on Full-Funding Path
The Clinton Administration has expanded funding for the
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and
Children -- $610 million in the first two years, and a further
proposed increase of $350 million in FY 96 to serve an additional
400,000 women, infants and children. Every $1 invested in WIC has
proven to save up to $4.25 in preventive health-care costs.
Fighting Teen Pregnancy
President Clinton has called for a national campaign against
teen pregnancy, asking leaders in business, sports,
entertainment, education, church and foundations to contribute
their energy and resources.
Protecting Medicaid
President Clinton is fighting to maintain the health care
protection provided to millions of low-income mothers, children,
the elderly and disabled Americans through Medicaid. While
Republicans are playing a numbers game -- regardless of how it
affects needy families -- the President is working to ensure that
Medicaid is there to provide needed health care for those who
cannot afford it.
Developed Healthy School Meal Initiative for Students
Under the Department of Agriculture, the President has
worked toward better nutrition for all children, pregnant women
and their infants. The school meals initiative aims to cut fat
and sodium and improve the overall nutrition of school lunches
and breakfasts.
VI. PROVIDING BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN
"We're working to bring people together -- to unite Americans
rather than divide them. We're on the side of working families.
We want every citizen to be able to reach his or her God-given
potential. Helping working women is key to all this."
--President Clinton, May 19, 1995
Since 1992, the number of women-owned businesses in the U.S. has
increased by 1.7 million.
Family-Friendly Workplace
The President's Women's Bureau launched a nationwide
initiative to improve the lives of working Americans by
encouraging employers to implement new policies and programs to
improve working conditions. Under the Honor Roll program, the
bureau collects commitments from employers to improve pay and
benefits, create a family-friendly workplace and value women's
work through training and advancement.
Expanded Public-Private SBA's Women Demonstration Program
Under President Clinton, the Small Business Administration
added 19 centers nationwide to its Women's Business Center
Demonstration Project. The programs offer financial management,
marketing, procurement, technical and other assistance to women
to launch a business or to run one more successfully.
Working Women Count!
The DOL's Women's Bureau surveyed over 250,000 working women
to learn more about their experiences in the workplace. The
bureau is working to address the concerns raised by the survey:
better pay and benefits, help balancing work and family, and
workplace recognition. For information: 1-800-827-5335.
SBA Lending To Women Has Increased by 86 Percent
Over 70 percent of women business owners must use credit
cards and personal resources to maintain or finance their
businesses. The SBA's Women's Business Ownership under President
Clinton has increased volume of loans to women by 86 percent.
Created the Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise
The Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise,
created by President Clinton, comprises of senior officials from
10 federal agencies, ensuring that women's economic issues are
addressed at the highest policy-making levels.
Increased Federal Procurement Contracts for Women
Supported by President Clinton, in 1994 the Federal
Acquisition Streamlining Act for the first time explicitly opened
up the $200 billion in federal procurement contracts and
subcontracts to women-owned businesses.
VII. MAKING WAY FOR WOMEN -- BECOMING PARTNERS IN DECISION MAKING
"Women are beginning to participate more fully throughout this
country in the life of America. As so far as I know, the sky is
not falling anywhere." --President Clinton, August 26, 1995
The Baltimore Sun noted, that President Clinton has delivered on
his promise to make diverse appointments: "No Administration has
ever produced such diversity."
Appointing Women Throughout the Administration
President Clinton pledged to appoint an Administration that
looked like America. Sticking to his commitment, he has opened
more opportunities for women to serve in government than any
other President.
*More than 40 percent of the President's appointees are
women, by the far the highest percentage of any Administration.
*Six women hold Cabinet-level posts, the highest ever.
*Several of the appointments have never been occupied by
women including Attorney General, Chair of the Council of
Economic Advisors, Secretary of Energy and Office of Management
and Budget Director.
*The President has appointed women to several positions
traditionally held by men: chief scientist at the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, deputy director at the
National Science Foundation.
*59 percent of the President's judicial nominees are women
and minorities, highest ever.
*Only second President to nominate a woman to the Supreme
Court.
*Two out of the three policy-making councils in The White
House are headed by women.
Women in the Military
The Clinton Administration has opened nearly 260,000 new
positions for women who wish to serve in the military.
Established Older Women's Initiative
This newly created office under President Clinton brings
focus to issues impacting older women and their families.
Established First Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health
The President has established the first Department-level
position -- Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health --
dedicated solely to improving women's health.
Created The White House Office for Women's Initiatives and
Outreach
The White House Office for Women's Initiatives and Outreach
was created by the President to better serve and listen to the
women's constituency. It serves as the primary liaison between
The White House and women's organizations, listening to women's
concerns and proposals and bringing these ideas to the President
and others in the Administration.
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CLINTON ADMINISTRATION INITIATIVES TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER
Introduced Legislation to Prevent Discrimination Based on Genetic Information.
The President has introduced bipartisan legislation to prohibit health plans from
inappropriately using genetic screening information to deny coverage, set premiums, or to
distribute confidential information. In many diseases, such as breast cancer, we are
beginning to identify hidden genetic disorders which can spur early treatment. However,
genetic testing also can be used by insurance companies and others to discriminate and
stigmatize groups of people. In fact, studies show that a reason women do not get genetic
testing for breast cancer is because they fear the information will be used to discriminate
against them.
Took Action to Encourage Women to Follow National Cancer Institute's (NCI)
Recommendations That Women Undergo Regular Mammogram Screening at Forty.
To bring Medicare, Medicaid, and federal employee health plans in line with the NCI's
new recommendations, President Clinton is proposing that Medicare cover annual
screening mammograms beginning at age forty and to eliminate coinsurance and
deductibles for mammograms. The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) sent
letters to every state Medicaid director encouraging them to cover annual mammogram
screening beginning at age forty and make it clear that the federal government will
provide federal matching payments for these services. President Clinton also directed the
Office of Personnel Management to require all federal employee health benefit plans to
cover annual mammograms beginning at age forty and he is encouraging all private plans
to do the same.
Covers Annual Mammograms Screening for Medicare Beneficiaries. In his balanced
budget, President Clinton proposes to extend annual screening mammograms for
Medicare beneficiaries over the age of 40. This proposal would make coverage
consistent with the recommendations of most breast cancer experts.
Waives Cost-Sharing for Mammography Services. The President's plan eliminates the
copayment and deductible requirement for annual mammograms for beneficiaries over
age 40, thereby increasing early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Although
Medicare has covered screening mammography since 1991, only 14 percent of eligible
beneficiaries without supplemental insurance receive mammograms.
Prevents Women From Being Forced Out of the Hospital Only Hours After a
Mastectomy. In his State of the Union Address, President Clinton endorsed bipartisan
legislation to ensure that women are not forced out of the hospital before they are ready
because of pressure from their health plan. The Department of Health and Human
Services also recently announced that it was sending a letter to all Medicare managed
care plans making it clear that they may not set ceilings for inpatient hospital treatment or
set requirements for outpatient treatment, and that a woman and her doctor should make
decisions about what is medically necessary.
Builds on HHS Commitment to Breast Cancer Research, Prevention and Training.
Since the Clinton Administration has taken office, funding for breast cancer research,
prevention and treatment has nearly doubled, from about $276 million in FY 1993 to
$513 million in the President's FY 1998 budget.
Continues Department of Defense Funding for Breast Cancer Funding. In FY 1997,
the DOD will spend $112 million on breast cancer research.
Increases funding for Gene Research. HHS-funded research led to the discovery of
two breast cancer genes BRCA-1 and BCRA-2 -- which holds great promise for the
development of new prevention strategies. On October 26, 1996, President Clinton
announced $30 million in new funding for research into the genetic basis of breast cancer.
Educates Older Women to Use the Medicare Mammography Screening Benefit. The
First Lady launched a mammography campaign to inform and encourage older women to
use the Medicare mammography screening benefit.
Improves Mammography Quality Standards. In October 1994, the FDA implemented
a program for mammography standards in the United States to ensure that they meet
standards for equipment, personnel, record-keeping, and quality control. The standards
also require that facilities be inspected annually. Women can look for the FDA certificate
as evidence that the facility meets quality standards. Women can also find a certified
mammography facility by calling
1-800-4-CANCER.
Screens for Low-Income Women. CDC's National Breast Cervical Cancer Early
Detection Program offers free or low-cost mammography screening to low-income
elderly and minority women. On October 1, 1996, Secretary Shalala announced the
expansion of the program to all fifty states. The goal is to reduce breast cancer deaths
among these women by 30% and cervical cancer deaths by 900% through increased
mammographies and pap testing.
Promotes Imaging Technology. HHS is working with other federal agencies, including
NASA, the Defense Department, and the CIA, as well as private companies to adapt
high-tech imaging technology to improve the early detection of cancer in women. In
1996, HHS, in collaboration with the CIA, awarded $1.98 million to the University of
Pennsylvania to conduct a series of clinical trials of imaging technology from the
intelligence community- intended originally for missile guidance and target recognition-
to improve the early detection of breast cancer.
President Clinton:
Building Stronger Families
"To Prepare America for the 21st Century, we must build stronger families. "
President Bill Clinton
February 4, 1997
Strong families are vital to our children, our communities and our nation. President Clinton is
meeting the challenge to strengthen our families by providing tax relief to working families,
investing in our children's education, reducing crime and helping families move from welfare to
work. The Clinton Administration is committed to protecting children, improving their quality of
health, encouraging companies to adopt family-friendly practices and strengthening parents'
capacity to nurture healthy families.
A RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENT:
Cherishing Our Children
Expanding Children's Access to Health Care: Ten million children lack health
insurance -- 80% of them have working parents who pay taxes. President Clinton's
Balanced Budget Agreement of 1997 expands health care for 5 million of these
children. [1997 Budget Agreement]
Expanding Head Start to Reach 1 Million Children a Year: For over 30 years, Head
Start has helped low-income families create an environment where their children are ready
to learn by taking a comprehensive approach to child development - improving children's
learning skills, health, nutrition, and social competency. Under the Clinton Administration,
funding for Head Start has increased 80% to $4 billion in 1997. These additional funds
have enabled Head Start to serve 180,000 more children and their families. And
President Clinton's Budget Agreement with Congress continues expansion of Head Start
toward the President's goal of serving 1 million children in 2002. [Paper;] Press Release,
3/26/96]
Protecting Children from TV Violence: President Clinton gave parents greater control
over what their children watch on television by requiring the installation of anti-violence
screening chips ("V-chips") in all new televisions. [Telecommunications Act of 1996, P.L.
104-104, signed 2/8/96] In addition, the President announced a breakthrough agreement
with the media and entertainment industry to develop a television ratings system to enable
parents to protect their children from violence and adult content. Today, the rating system
is in place, informing parents on what their children are watching. [Statement by the President,
2/29/96]
Targeting Teen-Age Smoking: President Clinton proposed the first-ever comprehensive
program to protect children from the dangers of tobacco. The Food and Drug
Administration has already issued rules aimed at teen-age smoking, such as making 18 the
age for the purchase of cigarettes nationwide. [Food and Drug Administration Press Release,
4/15/97]
Protecting Children's Health Through Increased Immunizations: The President has
established a Childhood Immunization Initiative to ensure vaccinations and healthy futures
for all children. In 1995, the immunization rate for two-year olds reached 76%, a record
high. And these vaccinations are working: the number of reported cases of diptheria,
mumps, tetanus, measles, rubella, and polio continue to be at or near record low
levels. [Centers for Disease Control, Press Release, 2/27/97]
Reaching Full Participation in WIC: The Clinton Administration is committed to full
funding in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children
(WIC), reaching 7.5 million participants by the end of FY97. This program works: Every
dollar invested in WIC has been proven to save $3 in preventive health-care costs. [Federal
Department and Agency Documents, 2/6/97]
More Educational Television: Joined together with the four major television networks
to support a proposal to require broadcasters to air three hours of quality educational
programming each week. 7/29/96; Statement by the President, 7/29/96]
Mobilizing Service and Volunteers on Behalf of Children: President Clinton convened
the President's Summit of America's Future, along with former President Bush. At the
summit, hundreds of organizations, including federal agencies, made commitments to give
children the resources they need to grow up to be healthy and productive citizens -- a
mentor, a healthy start, a safe place, a marketable skill through an effective education, and
a chance to serve. President Clinton also annoucned the creation of 50,000 new
scholarships to increase the reach of the AmeriCorps program.
Strengthening Our Families
Strengthening Families: The first bill President Clinton signed was the Family Medical
Leave Act, which enables workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for
family members without fear of losing their jobs. More than 12 million families have taken
leave since its enactment. [Commission on Family Medical Leave, A Workable Balance - Report to
Congress, 1996; Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, P.L. 103-3, signed February 5, 1993]
Greater Health Care Security for Millions of American Families: Because President
Clinton believes that we should provide more Americans with access to health care
services, he fought for and signed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act,
also known as Kennedy-Kassebaum. The bill limited exclusions for pre-existing
conditions, ended "job-lock" by making health coverage portable, and helped individuals
who lose jobs maintain insurance coverage. The Health Insurance Reform Bill President
Clinton signed into law protects the health care of millions of working Americans, giving
millions of families peace of mind. [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, P.L. 104-191,
signed 8/21/96]
Cutting taxes for millions of working families: President Clinton expanded the Earned
Income Tax Credit to give 15 million working families tax relief. Today, that earned
income tax credit is worth about $1,000 to a family of four with an income under $28,000
a year. The Earned Income Tax Credit lifts full-time workers with children out of
poverty. [Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, P.L. 103-66, signed August 10, 1993]
Increasing the Minimum Wage: The President proposed and signed into law an increase
in the minimum wage from $4.25 to $5.15 over two years. For a full-time, year-round
worker at minimum wage, this 90-cent increase raises yearly income by $1,800 -- as much
as the average family spends on groceries over seven months. The law signed by
President Clinton will increase the wages of 10 million Americans, giving them a chance to
raise stronger families and build better futures. [Small Business Job Protection Act Of 1996,
P.L. 104-188, Signed 8/20/96]
Ensuring Responsibility
Overhauling the Welfare System: Last year the President signed a bipartisan welfare
plan that is dramatically changing the nation's welfare system into one that requires work
in exchange for time-limited assistance. The law contains strong work requirements, a
performance bonus to reward states for moving welfare recipients into jobs, state
maintenance of effort requirements, comprehensive child support enforcement, and
supports for families moving from welfare to work -- including increased funding for child
care and guaranteed medical coverage. [Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation
Act of 1996, P.L. 104-193, signed 8/22/96] Nearly 90% of states have chosen to continue or
build on their welfare waivers in implementing the new law.
Moving People From Welfare to Work: From January 1993 to April 1997, the number
of people receiving welfare benefits fell by 22%, or 3.1 million recipients - the largest
decline in the welfare rolls in history and the lowest percentage of the population on
welfare since 1970. This historic decline occurred in response to the Administration's
grants of federal waivers to 43 states to experiment with innovative approaches to ending
welfare dependency, as well as in response to a strong economy. These waivers gave
states the freedom to reform welfare on the local level, including setting time limits on
benefits, requiring recipients to work or stay in school, providing child care and giving
employers incentives to hire welfare recipients. [HHS, 4/97]
Mobilizing the Business Community, Civic Groups, and the Federal Government:
to make welfare reform a success and help move a million people form welfare into the
workforce by the year 2000, President Clinton has enlisted the business community's
leadership. At the President's urging, the Welfare to Work Partnership was launched in
May 1997 to lead the national business effort to hire people from the welfare rolls. To
help former welfare recipients stay in the workforce and succeed, the Vice President has
created a coalition of civic groups committed to helping new workers retain jobs. The
Vice President is also overseeing the federal government's hiring initiative, in which under
the President's direction, federal agencies have committed to directly hire at least 10,000
welfare recipients in the next four years. [DPC Fact paper]
Enforcing Child Support: The Clinton Administration collected a record $12 billion in
child support in 1996 through tougher enforcement, an increase of $4 billion, or nearly
50%, since 1992. [Source: HHS Press release, 4/14/96] President Clinton also issued an
Executive Order to help track down federal workers who fail to pay child
support. [Executive Order 12953, 2/27/95]
Breaking the Cycle of Dependency: President Clinton has launched a comprehensive
effort to prevent teen pregnancy. In response to his 1995 challenge, the National
Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, a private nonprofit organization, was formed. in
addition, the welfare law the President signed in 1996 requres unmarried minor parents to
stay in school and live at home or in a supervised setting; encourage "second chance
homes" to provide teen parents with the skills and support they need; and provides $50
million a year in new funding for state abstinence education activities. Data shows we are
making pogress: teen births have fallen four years in a row, by 8 percent from 1991 to
1995.
THE CHALLENGES AHEAD:
America is moving in the right direction. The crime rate is down, welfare rolls and food stamp
participation are falling and the teen pregnancy rate has dropped. But we still have more work to
do to ensure the health, safety and futures of our children and families. The President's agenda
includes:
Expanding health insurance coverage for all children whose parents cannot afford it.
Providing families with a $500 per child tax credit.
Expanding the accessibility of child care information and services to parents,
expanding child care funding available to low-income working families and working
with states to improve the quality of services.
Expanding the Family Medical Leave Act to better help workers care for their
families without sacrificing their work obligations. This expansion would allow
workers to take up to 24 hours of unpaid leave in support of their children's
education needs, older relatives' health care and other family medical obligations.
Enacting and implementing the $3.6 billion program that the President negotiated as
part of the balanced budget agreement with Congress, to help cities and states create
and subsidize jobs for the hardest to employ welfare recipients and to provide tax
credits and other incentives for businesses that hire people off welfare.
Democratic National Committee
Steve Grossman, National Chair
Governor Roy Romer, General Chair
PRESIDENT CLINTON - THE RECORD
OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR WOMEN CONTINUES
OUTSTANDING WOMEN APPOINTEES: Adding to his outstanding first term
appointments, President Clinton has named Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to be the
highest ranking woman ever to serve in the U.S. government and Secretary of Labor Alexis
Herman, the first African-American woman to lead that department.
A BALANCED BUDGET WHICH REAFFIRMS OUR VALUES: President Clinton
has achieved a balanced budget agreement that reflects our values and helps prepare
America for the 21st Century, including critical investments in education, health care for
children, and the environment while strengthening and modernizing Medicare and
Medicaid. Now it is up to the Congress to keep that agreement and reaffirm those values.
EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN: The President's balanced budget includes the largest
increase in 30 years in education grants and scholarships. It opens college doors with $35
billion in targeted tax cuts to make college more affordable, including the President's
HOPE Scholarship tax credit. The President has pledged to set rigorous national
standards to make sure our children master the basics of math and reading.
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES: President Clinton wants to extend the popular Family
and Medical Leave Act to give workers up to 24 hours off without pay for children's
educational needs or doctor's visits.
FIGHTING CRIME AND PROTECTING CHILDREN: President Clinton is seeking
new prosecutors and tougher penalties to fight juvenile crime. He wants to extend the
Brady Bill so that someone who commits a violent crime as a juvenile is barred from
buying a gun as an adult, and require that child safety locks be sold with guns to keep
children from hurting themselves or each other.
SAFEGUARDING OUR FOOD: The President has requested $43.2 million in his FY
1998 budget to modernize the nation's food safety programs, including stricter safety
precautions for fruit and vegetable juices, and improved seafood inspections.
REMAINING STRONG AS ONE AMERICA: The President has issued a strong call
for unity -- emphasizing that our diversity is our greatest strength as we prepare for the
21st Century. He is convening the first White House Conference on Hate Crimes, so that
communities and government can work together against those who would divide us.
A LEADER FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM WORLDWIDE: The President pushed
ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention to help eliminate the horror of chemical
weapons and strengthen our hand against rogue states and terrorists.
Democratic Party Headquarters
430 South Capitol Street, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
202-863-8000
Fax: 202-863-8174
Paid for by the Democratic National Committee. Contributions to the Democratic National Committee are not tax deductible.
Democratic National Committee
Steve Grossman, National Chair
Governor Roy Romer, General Chair
PRESIDENT CLINTON - THE RECORD
OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR WOMEN CONTINUES
OUTSTANDING WOMEN APPOINTEES: Adding to his outstanding first term
appointments, President Clinton has named Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to be the
highest ranking woman ever to serve in the U.S. government and Secretary of Labor Alexis
Herman, the first African-American woman to lead that department.
A BALANCED BUDGET WHICH REAFFIRMS OUR VALUES: President Clinton
has achieved a balanced budget agreement that reflects our values and helps prepare
America for the 21st Century, including critical investments in education, health care for
children, and the environment while strengthening and modernizing Medicare and
Medicaid. Now it is up to the Congress to keep that agreement and reaffirm those values.
EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN: The President's balanced budget includes the largest
increase in 30 years in education grants and scholarships. It opens college doors with $35
billion in targeted tax cuts to make college more affordable, including the President's
HOPE Scholarship tax credit. The President has pledged to set rigorous national
standards to make sure our children master the basics of math and reading.
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES: President Clinton wants to extend the popular Family
and Medical Leave Act to give workers up to 24 hours off without pay for children's
educational needs or doctor's visits.
FIGHTING CRIME AND PROTECTING CHILDREN: President Clinton is seeking
new prosecutors and tougher penalties to fight juvenile crime. He wants to extend the
Brady Bill so that someone who commits a violent crime as a juvenile is barred from
buying a gun as an adult, and require that child safety locks be sold with guns to keep
children from hurting themselves or each other.
SAFEGUARDING OUR FOOD: The President has requested $43.2 million in his FY
1998 budget to modernize the nation's food safety programs, including stricter safety
precautions for fruit and vegetable juices, and improved seafood inspections.
REMAINING STRONG AS ONE AMERICA: The President has issued a strong call
for unity -- emphasizing that our diversity is our greatest strength as we prepare for the
21st Century. He is convening the first White House Conference on Hate Crimes, so that
communities and government can work together against those who would divide us.
A LEADER FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM WORLDWIDE: The President pushed
ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention to help eliminate the horror of chemical
weapons and strengthen our hand against rogue states and terrorists.
Democratic Party Headquarters
430 South Capitol Street, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
202-863-8000
Fax: 202-863-8174
Paid for by the Democratic National Committee. Contributions to the Democratic National Committee are not tax deductible.
Democratic National Committee
Steve Grossman, National Chair
Governor Roy Romer, General Chair
PRESIDENT CLINTON - THE RECORD
OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR WOMEN CONTINUES
OUTSTANDING WOMEN APPOINTEES: Adding to his outstanding first term
appointments, President Clinton has named Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to be the
highest ranking woman ever to serve in the U.S. government and Secretary of Labor Alexis
Herman, the first African-American woman to lead that department.
A BALANCED BUDGET WHICH REAFFIRMS OUR VALUES: President Clinton
has achieved a balanced budget agreement that reflects our values and helps prepare
America for the 21st Century, including critical investments in education, health care for
children, and the environment while strengthening and modernizing Medicare and
Medicaid. Now it is up to the Congress to keep that agreement and reaffirm those values.
EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN: The President's balanced budget includes the largest
increase in 30 years in education grants and scholarships. It opens college doors with $35
billion in targeted tax cuts to make college more affordable, including the President's
HOPE Scholarship tax credit. The President has pledged to set rigorous national
standards to make sure our children master the basics of math and reading.
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES: President Clinton wants to extend the popular Family
and Medical Leave 'Act to give workers up to 24 hours off without pay for children's
educational needs or doctor's visits.
FIGHTING CRIME AND PROTECTING CHILDREN: President Clinton is seeking
new prosecutors and tougher penalties to fight juvenile crime. He wants to extend the
Brady Bill so that someone who commits a violent crime as a juvenile is barred from
buying a gun as an adult, and require that child safety locks be sold with guns to keep
children from hurting themselves or each other.
SAFEGUARDING OUR FOOD: The President has requested $43.2 million in his FY
1998 budget to modernize the nation's food safety programs, including stricter safety
precautions for fruit and vegetable juices, and improved seafood inspections.
REMAINING STRONG AS ONE AMERICA: The President has issued a strong call
for unity -- emphasizing that our diversity is our greatest strength as we prepare for the
21st Century. He is convening the first White House Conference on Hate Crimes, so that
communities and government can work together against those who would divide us.
A LEADER FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM WORLDWIDE: The President pushed
ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention to help eliminate the horror of chemical
weapons and strengthen our hand against rogue states and terrorists.
Democratic Party Headquarters
430 South Capitol Street, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
202-863-8000
Fax: 202-863-8174
Paid for by the Democratic National Committee. Contributions to the Democratic National Committee are not tax deductible.
Democratic National Committee
Steve Grossman, National Chair
Governor Roy Romer, General Chair
TO: RAPID RESPONSE TEAM
FR: MAUREEN SHEA, WOMEN'S OUTREACH
DATE: 7/1/97
THE CLINTON TAX PLAN
REFLECTING OUR VALUES AND PRIORITIES
BACKGROUND: The House and Senate have passed two versions of a tax cut bill which
now goes to a conference committee. On June 30 President Clinton offered his plan for
their consideration, saying: "America's families deserve a tax cut and they deserve one
that reflects their values. It is the energy and dedication of the American people that has
produced our present prosperity, that has made it possible for us to balance the budget."
The President's plan has six central elements:
EDUCATION- OUR NATION'S HIGHEST PRIORITY: The President's plan offers
more generous tax credits for education than the Republican plans. The Clinton plan
seeks $35 billion in targeted tax cuts, including $1500 Hope Scholarship tax credits for the
first two years of college, further tax cuts to help pay for four years of college, tax relief
for training and learning throughout a lifetime, and tax incentives to help communities
rebuild and modernize their schools.
CHILD TAX CREDIT FOR FAMILIES: The President's tax cuts, unlike the
Republican, would give working people who earn lower salaries the full $500 tax credit.
CAPITAL GAINS CUTS: The Clinton plan allows taxpayers to exclude 30% of their
capital gains from taxation and gives capital gains tax cuts for buying and selling a home.
The Republican plan, which is less targeted, is more likely to explode the deficit in years to
come.
ESTATE TAX EXEMPTION: The President's plan provides an increase in the
exemption for the estate tax. This is especially helpful for parents who want to pass small
businesses and family farms on to their children.
WELFARE-TO-WORK: In order to encourage business to hire people off of welfare, the
Clinton plan will provide tax cuts to businesses that clean up urban toxic waste sites,
known as "brownfields," and convert those sites to productive use. And it will create 20
more Empowerment Zones to attract business into disadvantaged neighborhoods.
DEMOCRATIC PRIORITIES: The President's plan is balanced, fair to the middle class,
and will foster economic growth without hurting vulnerable citizens.
"I want to craft an agreement consistent with the budget agreement that can be written
into law and can be passed with the bipartisan majority of both sides."
- President Clinton - June 30, 1997 -
Democratic Party Headquarters
430 South Capitol Street, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
202-863-8000
Fax: 202-863-8174
Paid for by the Democratic National Committee. Contributions to the Democratic National Committee are not tax deductible.