Capitol Hill Braces for Scores of New Female Members

Working moms face tough balancing acts and workplace adjustments after having a baby, but imagine when you are a member of Congress.

Following the 2018 midterm elections, more women are expected to serve in the 116th Congress than ever before and this new female-heavy class includes women from both parties.

In a sign of the times, Capitol Hill is now busy figuring out changes that could make scheduling, facilities, and childcare more flexible and friendly to working moms and dads.

Republican leadership made one change for work-life balance that is hailed by members on both sides: change the schedule so that votes rarely occurred late in the evenings.

“We don’t want to have divorces or kids who are dropping off the edge in school,” [Democratic Rep. Debbie] Wasserman Schultz said in an interview. “Your family is always your No. 1 priority. And you can structure your schedule, I tell members, around your life to make it work. It just requires a lot of organization and a lot of family cooperation.”

Also read: #CHAMPIONWOMEN: REPUBLICAN WOMEN MADE HISTORY ON ELECTION NIGHT, TOO