Jacqueline Ayers, Director of Legislative Affairs for Planned Parenthood, discusses 2017's historic year for women - from the women's marches that kicked off President Trump's inauguration to the #MeToo campaign.
Ayers discusses the Trump administration's policies, which have sparked the fight for women's rights. They include the executive order that allows schools and employers to deny women rights to birth control and the undermining of Title X, which was put in place in the 70s and allows low-income families and individuals access to healthcare, including birth control. Ayers notes that some religious universities have already announced that they are cutting access to contraceptives.
Ayers also weighs in on the repeal of the individual mandate and the long-term repercussions it could have on women's health.
With a government shutdown five days away, Congress is moving into crisis mode as Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces an insurgency from hard-right Republicans eager to slash spending even if it means curtailing federal services for millions of Americans.
Rep. Andy Kim of New Jersey announced on Saturday that he will run against Sen. Robert Menendez in the state’s Democratic primary for Senate next year, saying he feels compelled to run against the three-term senator after he and his wife were indicted on sweeping corruption charges.
