After Republicans filibustered the Paycheck Fairness Act (PFA) earlier in this session, the Senate has now voted 73-25 to allow the bill to move forward to a debate.
The public overwhelmingly supports equal pay for equal work, but for far too long Senate Republicans have refused to allow a floor vote on a modest bill that will enable women workers to discuss their pay with co-workers, provide stronger tools to fight sex discrimination in wages, and grant the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) power to collect pay data from employers by sex and race.
The Paycheck Fairness Act is long overdue. Women – now some 50 percent of the workforce – deserve better.
Today’s vote allowed the PFA to clear one hurdle. Now, the Senate must act to move the bill to an up or down vote. The House must also pass the PFA in this session, and President Obama – a strong supporter of equal pay – must sign it, for the Paycheck Fairness Act to become law.
The House Republican leadership still has not scheduled the PFA for a vote in this session.
Take Action! Urge your Senator to support the Paycheck Fairness Act TODAY. (You can also call your Senator at 202-224-3121.)
Media Resources: Feminist Newswire 9/10/14, 4/9/14, 4/8/14
