Press Release
July 31, 2008
Rep. Susan Davis Votes to End Gender Pay Gap
Legislation will ensure equal pay
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA) voted to end pay inequity with her support of legislation that prohibits the unfair practice of paying men and women disproportionately for performing the same job.
The Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 1338) was approved by a 247 to 178 vote. This bill will reinforce the Equal Pay Act and close certain loopholes that have made it possible for employers to avoid being held responsible for unequal or discriminatory pay.
“Despite the progress that we have made over the past four decades, many employers continue to overlook, and occasionally even intentionally ignore, the contributions of their female employees,” said Davis. “The Paycheck Fairness Act will help change this unacceptable practice.”
While the passage of the Equal Pay Act in 1963 made significant strides in pay equity, gender-based wage discrimination remains an undeniable problem for women in the U.S. workforce. Women only make 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This wage inequity will cost a woman anywhere from $400,000 to $2 million over her lifetime in lost wages, estimates the Institute of Women’s Policy Research.
“Employers must recognize each and every one of their employees for the important work that they do and reward them with due compensation,” said Davis. “Unfortunately, this is not happening on its own—our daughters and granddaughters need and deserve this legislation.”
Congress has taken important steps to stop the practice of discriminatory pay. Last year, the House approved, with Davis’s support the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, legislation that rectifies a recent Supreme Court decision that has made it harder for workers to pursue pay discrimination claims.