On the recordFebruary 3, 2014
Let me just acknowledge my colleagues from the freshman class, the gentlewoman from Ohio and the gentlewoman from Illinois, for anchoring this hour, When Women Succeed, America Succeeds. I now am one of two members of the freshman class that has not had the opportunity to anchor this hour. Mr. Horsford and Mr. Jeffries have done such an exceptional job in that. As Mr. Jeffries pointed out, Mrs. Beatty is always ready for the challenge and has demonstrated and, as was mentioned earlier, has stepped up to the plate and hit the ground running in the Halls of Congress and has demonstrated her leadership on numerous occasions. With that, Mr. Speaker, let me just say that we know we have made great progress in this country closing the gender wage gap; but women still, as it has been stated, and we need to continue to let it resonate, earn just 77 cents on every dollar a man earns for the same work. And for women of color, unfortunately, naturally, I am not surprised, the gap is even wider, with women of color earning just 64 cents for every dollar that a man makes. In New Jersey, the gap has even grown worse. In just 1 year, women in New Jersey earn, on an average, $13,000 less than their male counterparts. Now, that is shocking. That is absolutely incredible that the gap, the margin is that wide, because over the course of that woman's lifetime, that adds up to more than $434,000. Now, what could a family over their lifetime do with another $435,000?…
