Bill · H.R. 8575· House(119-HR-8575)
EMPOWER Act
- Introduced
- 4/29/2026
- Last activity
- 4/29/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Julie Johnson
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The EMPOWER Act aims to strengthen the Department of State's public-private partnerships and policy efforts to advance women's economic security in South and Central Asia. The bill directs the Secretary of State to maintain and expand women's councils that link the United States with various sectors in those regions. To manage these efforts, a new Unit will be established within the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. This Unit will be led by a Special Advisor for Women's Economic Security who holds the rank of Ambassador. Activities under this act can take place in the United States, South and Central Asian countries, or third countries. Finally, the Secretary of State must submit a report to Congress regarding implementation and economic impact within one year.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would women be better off under this?+8
The entire bill is dedicated to advancing the economic rights and security of women.
Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated?+7
The bill specifically targets advancing women's economic security and addressing barriers to their empowerment.
Is this likely to grow the economy?+6
The bill aims to increase GDP in South Asia through increased female labor force participation.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Economic Growth and Stability: The bill finds that gender parity in employment could increase South Asia's GDP by significant percentages and that women's economic participation promotes family financial resilience and poverty reduction (Section 2).
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Support for Women's Careers and Education: The bill encourages activities that support women's access to mentorship, career-enhancing educational opportunities, and participation in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (Section 4(b)).
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Entrepreneurial Opportunities: The proposed policies aim to support the incubation and scaling of women-owned startups and small and medium enterprises, as well as access to procurement opportunities (Section 4(b)).
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Financial and Asset Empowerment: The act seeks to support women's financial inclusion, access, and asset ownership (Section 4(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+8Good For Business Owners+5Good For Low Income Households+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+6Improves Small Business Support+5Increases Job Creation+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+7Improves Poverty Reduction+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+4
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability+2
- 4/29/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House