WASHINGTON - “On Equal Pay Day, we highlight the need for equal pay for working women of the United States. We take this opportunity to educate communities about the gender pay gap that continues to challenge many hardworking women and their families by raising national awareness about social and economic implications of unequal pay.

“When the Equal Pay Act was signed by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, women who worked full-time, year-round made 59 cents on average for every dollar earned by men. In 2008, that number increased and women earned 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. That is progress – but it is slow progress.

“Last January, I joined my colleagues in Congress to pass the historic Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. This legislation protects the right of women and other workers to challenge unfair pay in court. The Act became the first major law signed into law by President Obama and represents a major victory for America’s women; yet, it is not a cure. There are still many cases where women do not receive equal pay for equal work. The existing wage gap does not impact only women, but it can disrupt entire families.

“Ensuring equal pay for women is one of the top priorities of the 111th Congress. The Senate should now pass and send to the President’s desk the Paycheck Fairness Act, which the House passed in January 2009. It closes numerous loopholes in the Equal Pay Act and stiffens penalties for employers who discriminate based on gender.

“In observance of Equal Pay Day, I encourage all Americans to support the fight for equal pay for women. We will work together until we can achieve equality for women in the workforce.”

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