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FEW's Legislative Focus

FEW has developed and maintained a dynamic Legislative program at the national, state, and local levels which works in concert with the organizational mission and goal of representing federally employed women's concerns and interests before legislative and judicial bodies. FEW's Legislative Program seeks to both pro actively and defensively monitor urgent legislative proposals in order to assess the effect on federally employed women and establish close communication with Members of Congress and the Administration to promote the needs and concerns of women in the federal service. FEW has developed a strong network at the national, regional, and chapter levels of the organization to encourage active participation in the legislative process. Finally, FEW joins forces with other organizations within the women's civil rights, labor, and professional communities with similar goals and objectives to strengthen its lobbying efforts.

FEW's Board of Directors adopts a national legislative agenda to coincide with each two-year Congressional session. Designed to be the guiding force behind the organization's public policy activities, the agenda is basically divided into a three-tier structure.

Tier I issues are considered of utmost importance to female federal workers today and include downsizing of civilian and military personnel, equal employment opportunity, family member care, retirement, and issues affecting women in the military.

Tier II issues have an impact on all federal employees, regardless of gender and include compensation, employee benefits, Hatch Act reform, the National Performance Review, and safety and health.

Tier III issues affect women as a class and include economic empowerment, health care, and violence against women. The Equal Rights Amendment and voter education and registration activities are given Overall Priority status as they permeate each and every issue above.

For detailed legislative information see: Current Legislative Information.

Legislative Handbook:

• Browse through FEW's Legislative Handbook

Legislative Agenda:

• 110th Legislative Agenda
• Legislative Agenda Fact Sheet Inserts for the Legislative Agenda
• 110th Legislative Agenda Press Release, 1/17/2007
• FEW's Voting Record Scorecard for the 110th Congress
• FEW Releases Voting Record Scorecard; Vows to Work with New Congress

Hatch Act:
Note: The Hatch Act identifies which political activities are permitted and prohibited by Government employees. These documents were prepared by the US Office of Special Council (OSC).OSC is responsible for investigating reports or complaints concerning Hatch Act violations. OSC is an independent Federal investigative and prosecutorial agency. These documents are posted as guidance.  For specific clarification, check with your agency's legal counsel.

• Political Activity and the Federal Employee - The Hatch Act
  Brochure ~ Flyer ~ Poster
• Political Activity and the State and Local Employee
  Brochure ~ Flyer ~ Poster

Links to Government Information Sources:

• Official Website for the U.S. House of Representatives
  Information on individual Members' website and e-mail addresses; committee information; and other news.
• Official Website for the U.S. Senate
  Information on individual Senators' websites and e-mail addresses; committee information; and other news.
• White House Government Section
• Search Federal Government
• Library of Congress Search for Congressional Bills
• Supreme Court of the United States
• U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Government Executive; Current Legislation Bill Tracker
• Search The Washington Post
  Users can search the database of the Washington Post for articles in the Post or on the AP newslines that have been printed within the last two weeks.

Cecelia Davis is the Vice President for Congressional Relations.