Ehrlich on Washington column, October 19, 1997

с 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 2 1 093 HEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Week of October 19, 1997 CONGRESS CLOSES IN ON GENDER GAP There has been a lot of talk in recent months about a growing “gender gap” in American politics. Perhaps the best evidence of the existence of such a gap is the fact that, during the 1996 presidential elections, Bob Dole narrowly won the support of most male voters, while women chose President Clinton by a stunning 53-37 percent margin. In my view, the gender gap stems from the fact that conservatives (including those in Congress) have not been successful in communicating how our agenda benefits women. Since coming to Congress, I have supported and voted for many good legislative initiatives that will benefit all women, including homemakers, business owners, professional women, and retirees. Here are a few examples: • Breast Cancer Prevention/Treatment: Congress has increased federal spending for breast cancer research, screening, and improved access to treatment to $700 million. The Medicare reforms passed by Congress earlier this year includes coverage for mammographies. • Domestic Violence Prevention : Congress has increased funding for violence against women programs by more than 700 percent. Congress has also prevented insurance companies from discriminating against domestic violence victims by classifying their C plight as a “preexisting condition.”