House Democrats Call For Ending Pay Discrimination In The Workplace

This afternoon, House Democrats held a hearing, co-chaired by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Congressman George Miller (D-CA), to discuss the need for legislation that gives rights to employees to challenge and eliminate pay discrimination in the workplace. The Paycheck Fairness Act, which passed in the 110th and 111th Congresses, is being blocked from a vote by the Republican leadership.

In 2009, Congress passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which ensured the courthouse doors would remain open to pay discrimination claims. But still, women make only 77 cents for every dollar earned by men for the same full-time work. Stronger action is clearly needed. The Paycheck Fairness Act will hold employers accountable for discriminatory practices, put an end to pay secrecy, ease workers' ability to challenge pay discrimination, and strengthen the available remedies for wronged employees.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) kicked off the hearing with a plain-spoken message: "Women and economic growth: They simply go together." Here are some other highlights from today's hearing, compiled from Twitter:

.@NancyPelosi: "It's 2012. No woman should be paid less than #equalpay. The difference in pay makes a big difference for families."

— National Partnership (@NPWF) May 30, 2012

"only my husband's paycheck tipped me off to pay discrimination" says Terri Kelly at today's #equalpay hearing.

— Rosa DeLauro (@rosadelauro) May 30, 2012

AnnMarie Duchon, #MA public employee: "I hope my daughter can look back at the fact that mommy was paid less as historic." #equalpay

— National Partnership (@NPWF) May 30, 2012

.@rosadelauro: "Less pay for women means less income, and that hurts families." #equalpay

— National Partnership (@NPWF) May 30, 2012

Equal pay for equal work is a bread and butter issue for families--Rep George Miller at today's #equalpay hearing.

— Rosa DeLauro (@rosadelauro) May 30, 2012

Leader Pelosi made the case that the business community should join Democrats' efforts: "Do they not have children? Do they not have daughters? Do they not want the best employees?"

For more information on the Paycheck Fairness Act, Congresswoman DeLauro's office produced this valuable factsheet.