female lawmakers

The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo., pictured in Sept. 2022. The Republican-controlled House began its new session by strengthening its dress code for women.

National
Politics & Government
Arts

The Missouri House tightens its dress code for women, to the dismay of Democrats

1:53pm January 13, 2023

by Rachel Treisman

As lawmakers met to debate House rules, one proposed requiring women to wear jackets. They ultimately passed a modified amendment (permitting cardigans), but not without vocal pushback from Democrats.

Former Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., surrounded by senators, jokes about having a lectern her size during the room dedication ceremony in Washington, D.C., on June 8. She retired in 2017 after 45 years in Congress.

National
Politics & Government

The U.S. Capitol has named two rooms after female senators for the first time ever

4:35pm June 17, 2022

by Rachel Treisman

Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Margaret Chase Smith couldn't wear pants or use the main bathroom during their tenures, when female senators were scarce. Rooms in the Capitol now honor their legacies.

Map of women's representation in state legislatures

National
Politics & Government

See Where Women Have The Most And Least Political Representation In The U.S.

6:36pm April 11, 2016

Women may make up half the population in the U.S., but just 24.5 percent of state lawmakers are women.