Civil Rights

Civil rights are a fundamental pillar of our democracy. We must continue to expand protections of civil rights and liberties in order to achieve a more perfect union. 

Combating Antisemitism 

There were more antisemitic incidents in 2022 than in any other year since the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) began tracking them in 1979.  

At a time when antisemitic violence, hate speech, and Holocaust denial are on the rise, it is essential to confront bigotry and intolerance whenever and wherever it manifests. I am proud to cosponsor the bipartisan HEAL Act in the 118th Congress to improve Holocaust education in our schools so that future generations will be better prepared to learn from the past to avoid repeating history’s most devastating mistakes. I also remain a strong supporter of the Nonprofit Security Grant program, a target-hardening support program for non-profit groups, and continue to advocate for its increased funding. 

In 2022, I was proud to deliver national recognition for the Kol Israel Foundation Holocaust Memorial in my district, which will continue to educate visitors about the Holocaust and ensure its millions of victims will never be forgotten. 

As a member of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, I'm dedicated to protecting and celebrating our American Jewish community in Northeast Ohio. 

Gender Equality 

Gender equality expands access to education and breaks down barriers so everyone everywhere can thrive and meet their fullest potential.   

In 2023, women still make, on average, around 80 cents for every dollar men make. This gender wage gap is exacerbated for women of color and mothers, such that a Black woman in Ohio's Eleventh Congressional District earns, on average, only 64 cents for every dollar a white man makes.  

This isn't just about lost wages. Because of pay inequality, women have less money for living expenses for themselves and their families, in addition to fewer savings and investment opportunities. The result is harm to families, businesses, and our economy as a whole.  

In the 118th Congress, I am a proud cosponsor of the Equal Pay Day Resolution and the Paycheck Fairness Act to recognize the significance of equal pay and the disparity between wages paid to men and women. 

As a leader in the Democratic Women’s Caucus, I continue to fight for the basic principle of equal pay for equal work and will not rest until we end the wage gap once and for all. 

LGBTQI+ 

In the 117th Congress, I proudly cast my vote to safeguard marriage equality in the Respect for Marriage Act, recognizing the validity of same-sex and interracial marriages while also prohibiting state officials from discriminating against such couples. President Biden signed the bill into law in 2022, protecting marriage equality and proving that love transcends political party lines. 

At least 85% of transgender and nonbinary youth report that recent anti-trans bills across Republican state legislatures have negatively impacted their mental health. We must continue to advocate against these hateful bills and protect our trans youth. 

All children, including transgender children, have the right to participate in sports that align with their gender identity. I oppose legislation that seeks to institute a trans and intersex sports ban – it's transphobic, and our children should be allowed to play sports without fear of invalidation or discrimination. 

As a member of the Equality Caucus, I remain dedicated to ensuring equal protection under the law for all LGBTQI+ individuals in Northeast Ohio and across the country. 

Voting Rights 

The right to vote is a sacred, hard-won freedom. As part of our efforts to form a more perfect and inclusive union, we must combat issues like voter suppression that silence the voices of historically marginalized communities.  During the last decade since the Supreme Court first gut voting rights in Shelby County v. Holder, questions of election security have grown and state legislatures have made it increasingly more difficult for Americans to vote. 

In the 117th Congress, I was proud to stand with House Democrats to deliver election security funding through the Presidential Election Reform Act. This bill would work to ensure that our democratic system remains fair and equitable for all. 

 I will continue to support bills that strengthen our voting rights, including the For The People Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The American people agree with me, overwhelmingly supporting Democratic Legislation to safeguard elections and protect the right to vote.