Out on a Limb

Onward and Upward
I was honored to join community leaders at the UC Hastings Women's Law Journal 25th Annual Symposium. The theme for this year's annual symposium, "Onward & Upward: Breaking Through Gender Barriers", addressed keys to breaking down the barriers that women continue to face in the workplace and offered a fitting platform to share House Democrats' economic agenda for women and families.

The UC Hastings Women's Law Journal slogan, "if you're going to go out on a limb, you might as well grow your own tree", is so fitting as we fight to ensure that women are granted all the rights and privileges that men possess. For too long, America's women have faced outdated policies and practices that prevent them from fully participating in our economy. That is why unleashing the power of our country's women is at the core of House Democrats' economic agenda: When Women Succeed, America Succeeds: An Economic Agenda for Women and Families.

This agenda includes three essential pillars:

• When women earn equal pay, we know America's economy will prosper.
  
• When women can have fairness and balance between work and family, we know American society will thrive.
  
• When families can access affordable and high-quality child care, we know Americans will have the ability to return to the workplace.

When women succeed, communities flourish, and when women lead, countries grow stronger. This agenda is about unleashing the intellect, the determination, and the courage of women into the world in order to create a brighter future of America's families and strengthen the middle class – the backbone of our democracy. When all women succeed, we know America succeeds.

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Congresswoman Pelosi joins community leaders at the UC Hastings Women's Law Journal 25th Annual Symposium to promote the women's economic agenda.

Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare open enrollment has begun and will continue through December 7th, 2013.

If you need information on how to apply for Medicare, go to the Medicare Frequently Asked Questions page. You may also be interested in trying the Medicare Eligibility Tool to see whether you may qualify for benefits and which plan may best suit your needs. If you have any questions or need assistance with Medicare claims, appeals information, and summary notices, you can always contact my office in San Francisco at

(415) 556-4862.

For nearly half a century, Democrats have stood firm for the basic promise of Medicare: after a lifetime of work, seniors deserve the security of a stable retirement and access to quality health care. It remains our responsibility and our commitment to sustain, strengthen, and protect Medicare on behalf of all Americans.

Jobs
It had been nearly 11 months since Congress convened this year but House Republicans continue to refuse to bring forward a jobs bill or go to the negotiating table. Too many Americans are still struggling to find good-paying jobs, support their families, and make ends meet. It is time for Congress to focus on the top priorities of the American people: to create jobs, expand the economy, and strengthen our middle class.

Instead, House Republicans wasted valuable time and taxpayer money this month by shutting down the government for 16 days and threatening our country with default. This latest GOP manufactured crisis jeopardized our country's economic credibility, shook consumer and investor confidence, and took $24 billion out of our economy. It is clear that these reckless and irresponsible actions are a luxury American families cannot afford.

As we finally begin negotiations on a budget, House Democrats are committed to working across the aisle and with President Obama to make critical investments that will create jobs, spur economic growth, and responsibly reduce the deficit. In doing so, we will promote a renewed prosperity and ensure that every American who works hard and plays by the rules can achieve the American Dream.