[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 54 (Thursday, May 4, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNITION OF EQUAL PAY DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2000

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize 
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 35 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 for 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 toward strengthening the 
security of families today and enhancing the prospects of retirement 
tomorrow.
  May 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.

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