Mikulski, DeLauro Renew Call for Action on Paycheck Fairness Legislation

March 1, 2011

Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) responded to a report scheduled to be released today by the White House that shows women have gained ground educationally and economically, but still make less income than men on average, and are actually more likely to live in poverty. The new report compiles and analyzes data from half a dozen agencies to provide the most comprehensive look at the state of women in this country in 50 years.

First introduced by Congresswoman DeLauro in 1997, the Paycheck Fairness Act would strengthen the Equal Pay Act and help ensure that women are paid equally for their work. The legislation was passed in the House of Representatives by the first vote taken in the 111th Congress, but failed to pass the Senate on a procedural of 58-41 in November.

"This report shows what we already know – women are largely outpacing men in education, yet still make just 77 cents for every dollar men make. That's unacceptable," said U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, who is leading the effort to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act in the Senate. "Women make this country run. We deserve equal pay for equal work. We need a change in the lawbooks to put more change in women's pocketbooks. I am not going to stop fighting until we stop this discrimination."

"This important report proves that there is still much to be done to provide equal pay for equal work in this country. It is a matter of basic fairness, and I look forward to reintroducing the Paycheck Fairness Act in coming days. It is shocking to me that  48 years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act, women are still making just 77 cents on the dollar as compared to their male counterparts," Congresswoman DeLauro said. "That is why we must continue to fight for the day when all America's workers are paid equally, and pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, a modest, common-sense reform that would close loopholes and ensure that workplace inequity ends."