*Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 *

**Statement on Senate Action on Paycheck Fairness Legislation **

*June 5, 2012 *

This afternoon Senate Republicans refused to allow an up-or-down vote on the "Paycheck Fairness Act," a commonsense piece of legislation that would strengthen the Equal Pay Act and give women more tools to fight pay discrimination. It is incredibly disappointing that in this make-or-break moment for the middle class, Senate Republicans put partisan politics ahead of American women and their families. Despite the progress that has been made over the years, women continue to earn substantially less than men for performing the same work. My administration will continue to fight for a woman's right for equal pay for equal work, as we rebuild our economy so that hard work pays off, responsibility is rewarded, and every American gets a fair shot to succeed.

NOTE: The statement referred to S. 3220.

*Categories:* Statements by the President : Paycheck fairness legislation, Senate action*.*

*Subjects:* Civil rights : Wage equality; Civil rights : Women's rights and gender equality.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201200452.