On the recordSeptember 12, 2017
Mr. Chairman, I want to reiterate the importance of the Department of Labor Women's Bureau. I believe that our government, especially, should have whatever advice, suggestions, and research that is needed to help all departmental agencies develop policies that further advance the interests of working women. Women currently in our country make, on average, 77 cents to every dollar that a man makes, and that amount is even lower for women of color. This Bureau would work on issues surrounding equal pay, employment rights of pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding in the workplace, paid family leave, and apprenticeships for women and women of color. These are important issues, and our government needs to do better, and I believe Members of both parties should care about this issue. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey).