Pelosi Statement on Latina Equal Pay Day

November 1, 2016

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on Latina Equal Pay Day, which symbolizes when Latinas' wages finally catch up to what white, non-Hispanic men were paid in the previous year:

"Latina Equal Pay Day spotlights the continued injustice of the wage gap in America. In the United States, all Americans who work hard should see the benefits of their labor, regardless of race or gender. Yet, on average, Latinas have to work for 22 months just to match what white, non-Hispanic men earn in a single year.

"Ensuring equal pay for equal work is in the best interest of our families, our economy and our society. That's why this Republican Congress should bring up and pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would work to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work by strengthening the 1963 Equal Pay Act. Every single House Democrat is a cosponsor of this legislation, yet the Republican Congress has repeatedly voted to block this critical bill from getting a vote on the House Floor.

"On this Latina Equal Pay Day, all Americans – including this Congress – must work together to make equal pay for equal work a reality for all Americans so we can ensure all families have the resources needed to build a stronger America for all."