This text explores the history and current status of women members and staff on Capitol Hill - tracing the difficult history of women in Congress, their slow and painful path to political power, and their hopes and fears of today.

Climbing the Hill explores the history and current status of women members and staff on Capitol Hill. It traces the difficult history of women in Congress, their slow and painful path to political power and their hopes and fears of today. It presents a comprehensive analysis of women's success at the polls and within the congressional hierarchy—legislatively, politically, and socially. Through in-depth research and extensive personal interviews, the authors reveal the deep-rooted sexual divisions within the U.S. Congress and the continuing struggle of women to break into the old boy network. The book's comprehensive coverage is unique and up-to-date and will be of interest to scholars, students, and interested layreaders.