Robert Menendez

Senator Menendez believes our great nation is built upon the fundamental values of liberty and democracy and that we must ensure those values are the bedrock of our society. Every person -- regardless of their race, gender, country of origin, religion or sexual orientation -- is equal and should be treated as such. Anything less undermines the fundamental values upon which our country was founded.

Senator Menendez has worked to provide equal rights for all Americans from fighting to end racial profiling, to ensuring that all citizens have a right to vote in free and fair elections, to helping guarantee equal pay for equal work. He will continue his efforts to ensure that our nation fulfills its obligation to provide an equal opportunity for all.

Highlights:

• Combating Hate Crimes. Co-sponsored the The Matthew Shepard Act, the landmark 2009 law to combat hate crimes. Under the law, federal law enforcement has greater authority to investigate and prosecute suspected hate crimes.

• Equal Rights For Women. Senate sponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment which would make women’s equality a fundamental right under the Constitution. Women have made tremendous advancements in our society, but Senator Menendez believes that we must continue to advance women’s rights by bringing our laws in line with 21^st Century values.

• Equal Pay For Equal Work. Original co-sponsor of The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a 2009 law to help end pay discrimination. The law makes it illegal to discriminate in wages based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability and strengthens the legal recourse available to those who are subject to such discrimination.

• Ending Discrimination. Co-sponsored several pieces of legislation that would end discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender including the Respect for Marriage Act, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Student Non-Discrimination Act and the Domestic Partnership and Obligations Act. Senator Menendez also supported repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.