Pelosi Statement on 53rd Anniversary of Equal Pay Act

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Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released the following statement marking the 53rd anniversary of the Equal Pay Act, signed into law by President Kennedy in 1963:

“On June 10, 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law, affirming a woman’s right to equal pay for equal work.  Recognizing that our economy depends on women in the workplace, President Kennedy took what he presciently called, ‘a first step’ to end the ‘unconscionable practice’ of paying women less than men for the same amount of work.  Unfortunately, 53 years later, women still earn less than men.  Despite the crucial role women play in our economy, today women make just 79 cents for every dollar a man earns.

“Equal pay is not just a women’s issue, it’s a family issue – pay inequity undermines the ability of women to help better support and care for their families.  On the 53rd anniversary of the Equal Pay Act, Congress should be bringing up and passing the Paycheck Fairness Act.  This pillar of the House Democrats’ ‘When Women Succeed, America Succeeds’ agenda would help fulfill the promise of the 1963 Equal Pay Act.  The bill would strengthen and close loopholes in the 1963 law, including providing effective remedies to women who are not being paid equal pay for equal work.  Every single Democratic Member of the House is a cosponsor of this vital legislation, and yet the GOP-controlled Congress has refused to bring it up for a vote.

“Although House Republicans have voted twice this Congress to block this legislation from coming to the Floor, Americans overwhelmingly support the principle of equal pay for equal work.  We hope Congressional Republicans will begin cooperating with Democrats on ensuring that equal pay for equal work becomes a reality in America.  We simply cannot wait another 53 years to see the Paycheck Fairness Act become law.”