Scott Disappointed in Senate Republicans for Blocking Paycheck Fairness Act

Statement

Today, Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott issued the following statement expressing his disappointment in Senate Republicans for voting to block the Paycheck Fairness Act from receiving an up or down vote. Similarly, last week, House Republicans voted unanimously against bringing the Paycheck Fairness Act to the House Floor.

"Equal pay for equal work is not simply a women's issue -- it's a family issue. Women earn on average 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. When women bring home less money each day, it means families have less for their everyday needs.

"Democrats in Congress and President Obama are committed to equal pay for equal work. In January 2009, the Democratic Congress passed and President Obama signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which restored the right of many women to challenge unfair pay in court. But more work needs to be done. The Paycheck Fairness Act would provide a much-needed update to the 49-year-old Equal Pay Act to help close the wage gap by providing effective remedies to women who are not being paid equal wages for doing equal work. The Paycheck Fairness Act would ensure women start receiving the same legal remedies and protections against pay discrimination currently provided to protect against pay discrimination based on race and ethnicity.

"Despite yet another road block to getting this important legislation passed, I will continue to fight for equal pay for women."

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