Women lawmakers keep charity softball tradition alive despite shortened House session
The annual Congressional Women's Softball Game will proceed as scheduled on Sept. 23, even though the House has cut its work schedule for the midterm campaign season. Players, including Reps. Kat Cammack and Becca Balint, voiced frustration that the schedule change has also delayed a bipartisan effort to overhaul House sexual misconduct procedures. The game raises funds for the Young Survival Coalition, a breast cancer support group.
The game was established in 2009 by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz following her own breast cancer diagnosis, pitting female lawmakers against members of the press corps. Proceeds benefit the Young Survival Coalition, which serves breast cancer patients under 40. This year's matchup takes place at Audi Field despite the shortened House calendar, with players continuing morning practices on Capitol Hill.
The schedule change has also delayed bipartisan reform work led by Cammack and Leger Fernández to update House sexual misconduct procedures, following allegations that prompted two male lawmakers to resign. Players noted the difficulty of maintaining bipartisan camaraderie while facing what they described as a challenging climate for women in Congress this year.
The game's persistence amid a shortened session highlights how informal bipartisan institutions can survive political turbulence. Its continued operation may offer a visible counterpoint to partisan gridlock, potentially reinforcing cross-party relationships that could aid future legislative cooperation. The delayed misconduct reform, however, could leave workplace protections unresolved through the midterms, affecting congressional staff and members who may feel vulnerable. The charity component may also sustain public attention on breast cancer support for younger women.