Congressman Vela Votes To Ensure Women In America Are Paid Equal Pay For Equal Work

Press Release

Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34) joined all House Democrats in voting in favor of H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act. The landmark piece of legislation strengthens the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and brings America one step closer to ensuring women are paid equal pay for equal work. The legislation passed 217-210, with bipartisan support.

According to the National Women's Law Center, a woman loses $406,280 over a 40-year career because of the detrimental impact of the wage gap. This impact is even larger for women of color; Hispanic women on average earn only 55 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men, and Black women on average earn only 63 cents.

"Pay inequity goes beyond only affecting women. It affects American children and families, as well as our nation's economy. Women deserve equal pay for equal work," said Congressman Vela. "It was an honor to join my colleagues today in voting in support of this bill. It is time to hold employers accountable, and I hope my Senate colleagues join us in passing this landmark piece of legislation.

H.R.7, The Paycheck Fairness Act:

Requires employers to prove that pay disparities exist for legitimate, job-related reasons.
Bans retaliation against workers who voluntarily discuss or disclose their wages.
Ensures women can receive the same robust remedies for sex-based pay discrimination that are currently available to those subjected to discrimination based on race and national origin.
Removes obstacles in the Equal Pay Act to facilitate a wronged worker's participation in class action lawsuits that challenge systemic pay discrimination.
Makes improvements in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC's) and the Department of Labor's tools for enforcing the Equal Pay Act.
Provides assistance to all businesses to help them with their equal pay practices, recognizes excellence in pay practices by businesses, and empowers women and girls by creating a negotiation skills training program.
Prohibits employers from seeking salary history in determining future pay, so that pay discrimination does not follow women from job to job.

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