Legis Daily

EMPOWER Act

USA119th CongressHR-8575| House 
| Updated: 4/29/2026
Julie Johnson

Julie Johnson

Democratic Representative

Texas

Foreign Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation, known as the EMPOWER Act, directs the Department of State to strengthen and expand public-private partnerships , including existing women's councils, to advance women's economic security in South and Central Asia. The bill emphasizes that women's economic participation is crucial for global prosperity, peace, and security, aiming to address low female labor force participation rates in the region. These partnerships will catalyze commitments from the private sector, civil society, and academia to promote women's employment, entrepreneurship, and access to education. Key areas of focus include women's financial inclusion , mentorship, asset ownership, and support for women-owned businesses, alongside addressing legal and social barriers. To oversee these initiatives, a dedicated Unit will be established within the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, led by a Special Advisor for Women's Economic Security with Ambassadorial rank. U.S. diplomatic posts will also designate points of contact to track private sector commitments. Finally, the Secretary of State must report to Congress within one year on the implementation, partnership status, and economic impact of these efforts.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-4053
Empower Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-1521
EMPOWER Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5842
EMPOWER Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-1312
Empower Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-4878
EMPOWER Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-7499
Empower Act of 2024

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-6458
EMPOWER Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 115-3728
EMPOWER Act of 2018
Apr 29, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 29, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-4053
    Empower Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-1521
    EMPOWER Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5842
    EMPOWER Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-1312
    Empower Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-4878
    EMPOWER Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-7499
    Empower Act of 2024


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-6458
    EMPOWER Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 115-3728
    EMPOWER Act of 2018


  • April 29, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 29, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

International Affairs

EMPOWER Act

USA119th CongressHR-8575| House 
| Updated: 4/29/2026
This legislation, known as the EMPOWER Act, directs the Department of State to strengthen and expand public-private partnerships , including existing women's councils, to advance women's economic security in South and Central Asia. The bill emphasizes that women's economic participation is crucial for global prosperity, peace, and security, aiming to address low female labor force participation rates in the region. These partnerships will catalyze commitments from the private sector, civil society, and academia to promote women's employment, entrepreneurship, and access to education. Key areas of focus include women's financial inclusion , mentorship, asset ownership, and support for women-owned businesses, alongside addressing legal and social barriers. To oversee these initiatives, a dedicated Unit will be established within the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, led by a Special Advisor for Women's Economic Security with Ambassadorial rank. U.S. diplomatic posts will also designate points of contact to track private sector commitments. Finally, the Secretary of State must report to Congress within one year on the implementation, partnership status, and economic impact of these efforts.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-4053
Empower Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-1521
EMPOWER Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5842
EMPOWER Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-1312
Empower Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-4878
EMPOWER Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-7499
Empower Act of 2024

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-6458
EMPOWER Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 115-3728
EMPOWER Act of 2018
Apr 29, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 29, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-4053
    Empower Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-1521
    EMPOWER Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5842
    EMPOWER Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-1312
    Empower Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-4878
    EMPOWER Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-7499
    Empower Act of 2024


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-6458
    EMPOWER Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 115-3728
    EMPOWER Act of 2018


  • April 29, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 29, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Julie Johnson

Julie Johnson

Democratic Representative

Texas

Foreign Affairs Committee

International Affairs

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted