National Federation of Democratic Women

Federal Legislative Update – October 2025

119th Congress | Advancing Women’s Rights and Democratic Priorities

Overview

The 119th Congress presents both challenges and opportunities for advancing women’s rights and Democratic priorities. With Republican control of both chambers (House 219R–215D; Senate 53R–47D), progress is difficult but essential. The National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) remains committed to shaping the national agenda, organizing grassroots action, and preparing for the 2026 midterm elections.

  • Reproductive healthcare access
  • Voting rights and democracy
  • Economic security and pay equity
  • Gun violence prevention
  • LGBTQ+ equality
  • Family leave and work-life balance

Reproductive Rights & Healthcare

Women’s Health Protection Act (S.2150 / H.R. 12)
Protects the right to abortion nationwide and prevents states from imposing unnecessary restrictions. The bill guarantees access to care, protects providers, and prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, or income.

Take Action → Contact your members of Congress and urge support for S.2150/H.R. 12. Share your story on social media using #ProtectAbortionAccess.

Voting Rights & Democracy

John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 14)
Restores and modernizes the Voting Rights Act by requiring federal review of voting-law changes in states with histories of discrimination.

Take Action → Join local voter-registration drives, partner with civil-rights groups, and advocate for stronger voter protections.

Economic Security & Pay Equity

Raise the Wage Act (H.R. 2743 / S. 1332)
Gradually raises the federal minimum wage to $17/hour by 2030 and ends subminimum wages for tipped, youth, and disabled workers.

Equal Pay Day Resolution (H.Con.Res. 21)
Recognizes ongoing wage disparities—women earn 83¢ for every $1 earned by men, with larger gaps for women of color.

Take Action → Host Equal Pay Day events and engage local employers on fair-pay practices.

Gun Violence Prevention

Enhanced Background Checks Act (H.R. 3868)
Assault Weapons Ban (S. 1531)
Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act (H.R. 1307 / S. 595)

Together, these bills close background-check loopholes, ban military-style assault weapons, and create a national office to coordinate gun-violence prevention efforts.

Take Action → Partner with organizations such as Everytown and Moms Demand Action. Share survivor stories and advocate for safer communities.

LGBTQ+ Equality

Equality Act (H.R. 15)
Expands civil-rights protections to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity across employment, housing, education, and public accommodations.

Take Action → Collaborate with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, host equality education events, and encourage businesses to publicly support the Equality Act.

Family Leave & Work-Life Balance

FAMILY Act (2025 Introduction Expected)
Establishes a national paid family and medical-leave program providing up to 12 weeks of paid leave for caregiving, health, and family needs.

Take Action → Share stories showing how paid leave would benefit your family and community. Submit op-eds or letters to local media outlets.

Moving Forward

While the current Republican majority poses challenges, these legislative priorities define Democratic values and guide the ongoing fight for equality and justice. NFDW remains steadfast in advocating for policies that empower women and strengthen democracy.

Every call, story, and vote makes a difference.
Together, we move closer to full equality and justice for all.

For more information or to coordinate advocacy efforts, contact your NFDW state-chapter leadership.