[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 26, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H2659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1230
         WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH AND THE WOMEN'S ECONOMIC AGENDA

  (Ms. EDWARDS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark Women's History Month 
and to recognize the important role that women play in our workforce, 
businesses, and homes.
  In fact, 40 percent of working women are the primary breadwinners in 
their families, and it is just a fact that the success of our Nation 
relies on the economic security of women. Unfortunately, outdated 
policies are constraining the ability of women to participate fully in 
our economy. Many face a lack of good-paying jobs, a high cost of 
education and child care. In fact, two-thirds of minimum wage workers 
are women, and the poverty rate for women is 14.5 percent--the highest 
in two decades. Women earn just 77 cents on the dollar. For African 
American women, it is only 64 cents on the dollar. For Latinas, it is a 
shocking 58 cents on the dollar.
  That is why House Democrats have launched an economic agenda for 
women: When Women Succeed, America Succeeds. We have got to raise the 
minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, increase tipped wages which haven't 
been raised in 23 years, have equal pay for equal work, paid sick days, 
and access to quality, affordable child care.
  Women are playing an expanded role in our economy and in our country. 
It is time we recognize their contribution because, when women succeed, 
America succeeds.

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