[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 23, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT

  (Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico asked and was given 
permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise in 
support of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which is being introduced today 
by its long-time champion, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.
  I am proud to join her and my colleagues in supporting this critical 
legislation which now protects women in the workforce by strengthening 
the Equal Pay Act by banning retaliation against workers who discuss 
their wages, helping employees challenge unequal pay and making 
available remedies for discriminatory practices.
  We all know that women make 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. 
The number has been repeated often, especially in this House, which has 
passed Paycheck Fairness twice to correct this injustice.
  And in this tough economy, now more than ever before, women are the 
last line of economic defense for themselves and their children, 
working to keep a roof over their family's heads and food on the table.
  That is why we need the Paycheck Fairness Act without delay. It is 
time for the Congress to act and give women a fighting chance to 
receive fair pay for their hard work. It's time to get this legislation 
to the President's desk.

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