VIDEO - Congresswoman Solis Speaks in Support of the Paycheck Fairness Act

Washington, D.C. -  Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32) today supported a comprehensive measure that will help end the discriminatory practice of paying a woman less than a man for performing the same job. The Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 1338), approved by a 247 to 178 vote, will strengthen the landmark Equal Pay Act and close the loopholes that have allowed some employers to avoid responsibility for discriminatory pay.

“It is unacceptable that many women still get paid less for performing the same job as a man,” said Solis. “A woman’s paycheck should be based on performance and merit, not as a result of an employer’s prejudice.” 

Although the wage gap between men and women has narrowed since the passage of the Equal Pay Act in 1963, gender-based wage discrimination remains a significant problem for women in the U.S. workforce.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women only make 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man. The disparity is worse for women of color:  African American women only earn 66 cents on the dollar while Latinas earn 55 cents on the dollar compared to their male counterparts.  

These wage disparities directly contribute to a cycle of poverty and lower retirement savings and Social Security benefits for women throughout their lifetime.  The Institute of Women’s Policy Research concluded that this wage disparity will cost a woman anywhere from $400,000 to $2 million over her lifetime in lost wages.

“This legislation is vital to the economic security of our working families and it builds on Congress’ commitment to ensuring that all Americans are paid equally and fairly for the work that they do,” said Solis.

For more information on the Paycheck Fairness Act, click here.

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