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In 1775, women served in the Revolutionary War only as laundresses, cooks, and nurses. Today there are
74,000 women in the military serving in a wide range of positions. Over the last three years, more than 1,000 female soldiers began serving in combat-arms jobs.
While women have broken many barriers in the military,
they still face widespread discrimination - and even violence. Sexual assaults across the military increased by a rate of nearly 38% in 2018, according to a report released by the Pentagon.
A recent investigation found a
"rape list" was shared by members of a guided-missile submarine. "Lewd and sexist comments and jokes were tolerated, and trust up and down the chain of command was nonexistent," according to the report.
Unintended pregnancies are more common in the military than among women in general. Military treatment facilities, however, only offer abortions in cases of rape, incest or life endangerment.
Military women also have a
difficult time accessing contraception. There is inadequate contraceptive counseling, poor continuity of care, long wait times, limited contraceptive method options, and feelings of judgment from military healthcare providers.
Other serious problems facing women in the military include doctors' inability or unwillingness to properly diagnose women's health problems, which can put their lives at risk. The Defense Department
hasn't done a comprehensive survey of women's health issues in 30 years.
Currently, there are nearly two million living women veterans. Yet funding for
veteran's health services for women is less than one percent of the overall veterans' health spending. Suicide rate for women veterans is almost two times higher than the rate for civilian women.
Military veterans Reps. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Elaine Luria (D-VA), and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), all JAC-supported, formed the bipartisan
Servicewomen and Women Veterans Congressional Caucus. The caucus aims to address the needs of female active-duty military personnel and veterans. They hope to find ways to improve medical care, access to child care, and address sexual assault in the military.
This Memorial Day while we remember those that gave their lives for our freedom,
we must also commit ourselves to protecting and caring for those - especially our women - who are risking their lives to ensure our freedom.
Do you know a high school or college student who would like to intern at JAC during the school year or next summer? Call the JAC office at 847.433.5999 about opportunities.
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We are hard at work putting the finishing touches on this year's JAC Power of Women Luncheon. Looking forward to seeing you there!
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Our Luncheon Co-chairs Sharon Koltin and Tina Wolf previewing the centerpieces for our June 3rd event.
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Congress to Trump: Protect Israel as Syrian Civil War Ends
Nearly 400 members of Congress signed a bipartisan letter to US President Donald Trump calling on him to safeguard Israel's interests with Syria's civil war coming to an end. The letter sent Monday from members of the House of Representatives and the Senate urged Trump to ensure that Israel has the support and materiel to maintain its qualitative military edge in the region.
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'BDS Is Antisemitic,' Rules German Bundestag in Landmark Vote
The anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement is antisemitic, the German Bundestag ruled in a landmark vote. It called on governmental bodies not to finance or support any organizations that support BDS or question Israel's right to exist. Germany is the first European Union member state to approve such a measure.
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U.S. Supreme Court Again Defers Action on Abortion Cases
The U.S. Supreme Court deferred acting on state efforts to put more restrictions on abortion, issuing a list of orders without mentioning two pending Indiana appeals. The appeals were on a list of cases the justices could have discussed at their private conference last week. In one, the state is seeking to bar abortions motivated by the risk of a genetic disorder and require clinics to bury or cremate fetal remains. In the other, Indiana aims to reinstate a requirement that an ultrasound be performed at least 18 hours before an abortion.
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House Equality Act Extends Civil Rights Protections to Gay and Transgender People
The House passed sweeping legislation on Friday that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The response from the Republican-controlled Senate and White House, however, is likely to be a resounding no. Citing concern for "the safety of women and girls in intimate spaces" and "conscience protections" in place for medical professionals who decline to perform procedures they find morally objectionable, the administration opposes the measure, according to a draft statement of administration policy.
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Gun Control Group: Emails Highlight NRA Link with Sheriffs Backing 'Gun Sanctuaries'
The National Rifle Association (NRA) was more involved than was previously disclosed with a group encouraging sheriffs to back "gun sanctuaries," a U.S. gun control advocacy group said. The Brady Campaign said emails obtained by the group show that the NRA was in close contact with New Mexico Sheriffs Association President Tony Mace in the lead up to and following the passage of laws to expand gun background checks in the state.
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Nos. 44 and 45 Broke the Mold. What Does That Mean for the Future of the Presidency?
For more than two centuries, until the election of 2008, American presidents all looked alike. They were white and male and every one of them came to office with experience in the government, military or both. Barack Obama, the first African American president, broke one mold. Donald Trump, who had neither military nor government experience, broke the other.
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The Top 12 Ways Israel Feeds the World
As the global population expands and natural resources dwindle, food security is a critical concern. Smart solutions for more efficient farming, hardier crops, alternative sources of nutrition and safer food packaging and storage are essential. No other single country-certainly not one as young and as tiny as Israel-has contributed more breakthroughs in this area than Israel. Since the 1950s, Israelis have not only been finding miraculous ways to green their own desert but have shared their discoveries far and wide.
Here are 12 major ways Israel helps feed the world:
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Introducing JACII, a JAC group for young professionals, advocates, and those young at heart who are looking to get involved. Groups have started in Detroit, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Events will feature elected officials and speakers in lively settings. JACII is by and for young people. Now is the perfect time to get involved.
Thursday, June 13
JACII Chicago Wine & Hummus Tasting
featuring
Moran Birman
Israeli Consul for Public Diplomacy
Chicago, IL
Contact the JAC office for details
Know someone who would be interested in joining or hosting a meeting? Let us know at
[email protected]. We will be happy to help organize a JACII in your city.
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"We will not allow the President ... (to put) himself and his allies above the law. We will not allow the President to stop this investigation, and nothing in this unjustified and unjustifiable legal attacks will stop us from pressing forward with our work on behalf of the American people. We will hold this president accountable one way or the other."
Rep. Jerry Nadler, chair of House Judiciary Committee
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JAC 2019 Power of Women Luncheon
with key note speaker
Sarah Hurwitz
and special guest
Dr. Jill Biden
Monday, June 3
Lincolnwood, IL
___________________________________
Tuesday, May 28
Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)
12:00 noon
Chicago, IL
Call the JAC office for details
___________________________________
Friday, May 31
Coffee with Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA)
Los Angeles, CA
Call the JAC office for details
___________________________________
Thursday, June 13
JACII Chicago Wine & Hummus Tasting
featuring
Moran Birman
Israeli Consul for Public Diplomacy
Chicago, IL
Call JAC office for details
____________________________________
Want to host a JAC event? Contact the office and we will help organize it.
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Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (JACPAC) is a pro-Israel PAC with a domestic agenda. We support a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and advocate for reproductive health and the separation of religion and state and incorporate other issues of importance to the Jewish community, including gun violence prevention and climate change. In addition to providing financial support for U.S. Senate and House campaigns, JACPAC educates our membership with outreach events designed to inform and activate their participation in the political process.
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Federal law requires political committees to report the name, mailing address, occupation and employer for each individual who contributes over $200 in a calendar year. Maximum contribution per person may not exceed $5,000 per calendar year. According to law, JACPAC cannot accept corporate contributions. Membership, gifts, or other payments to JACPAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.
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