Rep. George Miller Statement on Senate GOP Blocking Equal Pay Legislation
WASHINGTON – Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), the senior Democratic member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, released the following statement today after Senate Republicans voted to block consideration of the Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation that will help women better fight pay discrimination.
“I’m deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans blocked a debate on a bill to ensure women get equal pay for equal work. Equal pay for equal work is not only about basic fairness, it is an economic necessity for our nation’s families. Women don’t get 23 percent off their rents, 23 percent off their grocery bills or 23 percent off their health insurance premiums. But they do get 23 percent off their paychecks. This discrimination hurts families. It hurts the economy. It is unacceptable.
“Current law is riddled with holes that allow unscrupulous companies to get away with paying a woman less simply because she is a woman. The Paycheck Fairness Act would give women better tools to combat unlawful discrimination. That is, if Senate Republicans would stop obstructing an honest debate to ensure our nation’s women get paid based on merit, not discrimination.”
Miller co-chaired a Democratic Policy and Steering Committee hearing last week on the need for stronger protections for women.
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