[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 106 (Thursday, July 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      WOMEN'S ECONOMIC EQUITY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 1996

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, as a cochair of the Congressional Caucus 
for Women's Issues, I am pleased to introduce the Women's Economic 
Equity Act [EEA]. This package of legislation is designed to increase 
economic opportunities for American women.
  The Economic Equity Act is a comprehensive, forward-looking agenda 
for improving the economic well-being of American women in the 
workplace and at home. This legislative package has been introduced by 
the Women's Caucus in every Congress since 1981.
  This year's EEA continues its traditional focus on such issues as pay 
equity and pension reform, but places new emphasis on the economic 
impact of domestic violence. The bills included in the EEA would expand 
professional opportunities for women in science and engineering and 
expand job benefits for part-time and temporary workers, most of whom 
are women. One provision would extend IRA deductions to women who 
choose to stay at home.
  Although women are and continue to be the majority of new entrants 
into the workplace, they continue to be clustered in low-skilled, low-
paying jobs. By improving the economic condition of women, we will be 
helping our Nation face the economic challenges of the 21st century.
  Each of the individual provisions included in the EEA have been or 
will be introduced as separate bills. By bringing each of these 36 
bills under a single bill number, the caucus hopes to set out a broad 
agenda for addressing important women's economic issues.

                          ____________________