openpolitics.com

More Women Than Ever in Congress, but With Less Power Than Before

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, the new chairwoman of the Energy Committee, was at a reception in Hershey, Pa., last month when aides to Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the No. 2 Republican in the House, presented her with a party favor: a black windbreaker with the words “Chairman’s Table” on the back.

There was just one problem: The windbreaker was for a man, and far too big for Ms. Murkowski. Mr. McCarthy’s aides say they simply ran out of women’s jackets in Ms. Murkowski’s size, but to her the episode reflects a new reality on Capitol Hill.

“His staff was, of course, very apologetic,” said Ms. Murkowski, who gave the windbreaker to her husband and said she took no offense. “But I did think that was somewhat telling. We are not thinking about the women.”