PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 106th CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Congressional Record

Washington, Thursday, May 4, 2000

House of Representatives

Remarks of Congressman Mike Thompson
In Recognition of Equal Pay Day
May 4, 2000

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of California’s Equal Pay Day, May 11, 2000. This day allows us to fully recognize the value of women’s skills and significant contributions to the labor force.

It has been over thirty-five years since the passage of the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, but women in America still suffer the consequences of inequitable pay differentials.

The institute of Women’s Policy Research has reported that, the average 25 year old woman will earn $523,000 less than the average 25 year old man will over the next 40 years, if current wage patterns continue. In 1998, women earned 73 cents, to every dollar earned by men. This is an overwhelming difference of 27 percent less.

Today, working women constitute a large segment of this nation’s work force, and a vast majority of households are dependent on the wages of working mothers. These women deserve fair and equal pay. Often, working families are just one paycheck away from economic hardships. Fair and equal pay for women would go a long way towards strengthening the security of families today and enhancing the prospects of retirement tomorrow.

Man 11, 2000, will symbolize the day on which the wages paid to American women this year, when added to their incomes in 1999, will finally equal the 1999 earnings of American men.

Mr. Speaker, I move that we recognize women for their lasting contributions to the American work force and urge my colleagues to continue their work to bring fair and equal pay to all U.S. citizens.