Rebecca Cowling has influenced national legislation in the area of inclusion.

Her efforts helped ensure healthcare privacy and minimization of systemic discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals by promoting fair housing policies at the governmental and private business levels.

Cowling presented the first draft of the Privacy and Security procedures proposed to standardize the processing of healthcare claims with privacy requirements. This legislation passed Congress and was foundational in the development of HIPAA. 

In 1983, Cowling worked closely with Ross Perot to make significant contributions to developing the first automated food stamp program in the US. In her earlier years, Cowling worked closely with Mrs. Daisy Bates and the Equal Employment Agency to provide basic water utilities to an early childhood caregiving and development center in Mitchellville, Arkansas and helped Delta farm hands obtain basic legal documentation.