Livingston's record in Congress reveals that he opposes important programs like Family and Medical Leave, Title X family planning funding and the U.S. Department of Education. He is solidly anti-abortion rights, anti-affirmative action and anti-lesbian and gay rights.
"When the dust settled after the elections, radical right-wing strategists realized that the majority of people do not support their mean-spirited brand of conservatism. Newt Gingrich's harsh attacks on basic human rights just don't sell. Stung by defeat, the Republicans now have a sleeker salesperson to peddle the same regressive agenda. Voters were not fooled in November, and we will not be fooled now. The right-wing extremists can try to hide behind the new Speaker, but Bob Livingston can't hide his voting record," Ireland warned.
Livingston voted against every feminist issue included in NOW's 1998 voting guide. The new Speaker got a zero rating from NARAL, 0% from AAUW, and a 2% rating from Planned Parenthood. Livingston got a 100% rating from the National Right to Life Committee and kudos from the extremist Christian Coalition.
"The reactionary Republicans in Congress hand-picked a close Gingrich
ally as the new Speaker of the House. Livingston is a Newt in sheep's
clothing! With Livingston at the helm the106th Congress will continue
the attack on women's issues and our families. And NOW will be there
to fight every step of the way," Ireland said.