Political Quotes

“I thank both the gentleman from Texas as well as the gentleman from Massachusetts for the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Equal Pay Day. Today, April 14, marks the day in which women's earnings from January 2014 have reached men's earnings in 2014 alone. In one of the wealthiest, most progressive countries in the world, women still find themselves 3\1/2\ months behind men in wage disbursement. That means that for every dollar earned by men in the United States, only 78 cents are earned by women. For a woman working full time over the span of her career, that means a total loss of $430,000, nearly $500,000. Non-White, disabled, and LGBT women fare even worse, with some making as little as 56 cents to every dollar earned by men in comparable positions. I am proud to join my colleagues today in recognition of the fact that this disparity is not only antiquated, but economically regressive and morally indefensible. It has been proven time and time again that increasing pay for women has a direct and immediate impact on improving our economy and the health of American families. Fairly compensating women is not only the right thing to do, but it would increase consumer demand, create jobs, and raise the GDP. Today, on Lilly Ledbetter's birthday, it is time for Congress to act to enable women to support America's children and families and end this crippling drag on our Nation's economic prosperity and moral stain on our country.…”