Republicans block debate for want of two votes. They don't even want to talk about it.
The Paycheck Fairness Act (S.3772) was blocked on a procedural vote by a minority of senators on Nov. 17th. The 58 votes
in its favor fell just below the 60 required to open substantive debate on the legislation. As AAUW Director of Public Policy and Government Relations Lisa Maatz put it
, "This de facto filibuster of fair pay by Senate Republicans ensured that we never got to a debate on the bill's merits. Strategically, I can't blame them --- they can' t win a fair fight against pay equity."
Following the vote, President Obama issued a statement
noting his deep disappointment and pledged to continue his administration"s support for stronger protections of women"s equality in the workforce. Maatz and AAUW received personal thanks
from the president for all the hard
work
on behalf of the Paycheck Fairness Act. To watch his remarks, click here
.
Take Action! Let your senators know how you feel about their vote on the Paycheck Fairness Act, and urge
them to support future legislation aimed at closing the wage gap.
Wow, that's really crazy that the bill didn't even pass. I mean what's the big deal about preventing women discrimination? Maybe some people just don't care about the issue, because they don't think it's an issue these days. But not everyone knows what everyone is getting paid at their work environment. This bill would've helped women who have been discriminated against, with helping to receive punitive damages, protection against retaliation, and even allows the secretary of labor to step in to seek aditional damages. But maybe next time it will pass, it would really help the work force out. To make sure everyone is being paid fairly.
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