Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) called for the end of wage discrimination on Equal Pay Day, which symbolizes when, more than three months into the year, women’s wages finally catch up to what men were paid in the previous year.

“It’s appalling that 52 years after passing the Equal Pay Act, women still make less than men,” DelBene said. “We can’t afford to wait another 50 years. Congress should and must act to make equal pay for equal work a reality.”

Last month, DelBene joined Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) in reintroducing the Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation that would help close the wage gap between women and men working the same jobs. On average, a woman earns only 78 cents for every dollar made by a man.

“Equal pay is not just good for women – it’s good for families, businesses, and our economy. When women aren’t paid what they deserve, middle class families and communities pay the price,” DelBene said. “More families than ever before rely on women’s wages to put food on the table, save for retirement and pay for their children’s education. The Paycheck Fairness Act will help ensure equal pay for equal work.”

The Paycheck Fairness Act builds upon the landmark Equal Pay Act signed into law in 1963 by closing loopholes that have kept it from achieving its goal of equal pay. The bill would require employers to show pay disparity is truly related to job performance.

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