Politics

On Senate Republicans Obstructing Vote on Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

By Speaker Pelosi

By obstructing a vote on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Senate Republicans have thwarted efforts to restore balance in the law and allow victims of wage discrimination to seek justice in the courts. In so doing, they have again stopped necessary progress for all Americans.

The Ledbetter legislation, which the House proudly passed last year, provides a remedy for women and men who have been victims of pay discrimination. It corrects a Supreme Court decision that severely restricted the right of workers to have their day in court.

Senate Republicans blocked this legislation just one day after we recognized Equal Pay Day. Women make just 77 cents to each man?s dollar, and in an uncertain economy, equal pay for equal work is about daily survival for millions.

Republicans have once again halted the efforts of the New Direction Congress on behalf of justice and equality. They stand only with the President in blocking this legislation for pay equity and against discrimination. These are fundamental differences in values, and Americans now know who supports equal pay for equal work, and who does not.

Full post as published by The Gavel on April 23, 2008 (boomark / email).