One of the biggest trending terms on Facebook Trends this morning is the “Paycheck Fairness Act.” The bill, which was filibustered by Republicans for a third time, would have guaranteed equal pay for women and men.
The Senate fell just six votes short of guaranteeing equal pay for women. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), had 52 co-sponsors, but no support from Republicans across the aisle.
If Democrats had passed the bill it would have made it illegal for employers to take action against an employee who inquires about or discloses their wages or the wages of another employee in a complaint or investigation. The bill would have also made employers liable for civil complaints.
According to disclosed employment wages, women earn 77 cents on every dollar earned by men. The bill was touted as a way to “give everyone a fair chance” by eliminating that 23% wage gap.
After Republicans once again filibustered the bill, Democrat leaders took to Facebook where they vented their frustration.
While Democratic leaders attacked the filibuster, some Facebook users posted in support of the GOP decision:
Following the filibuster President Obama released a statement:
“Today, Senate Republicans overwhelmingly blocked the Paycheck Fairness Act – preventing it from even receiving an honest debate, let alone a simple yes-or-no vote. The Paycheck Fairness Act is commonsense legislation that would strengthen the 1963 Equal Pay Act and reinforce our country’s commitment to the principle of equal pay for equal work. Yesterday, I took two actions that will make it easier for working women to earn fair pay, and my Administration will continue to do everything we can to make sure that every hard-working American earns the respect and wages that they deserve on the job. But Republicans in Congress continue to oppose serious efforts to create jobs, grow the economy, and level the playing field for working families. That’s wrong, and it’s harmful for our national efforts to rebuild an economy that gives every American who works hard a fair shot to get ahead.”
Do you support equal pay for men and women who serve in the same position?
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