Us Congress House Bill HCR118

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/9/24
• Refer: 7/9/24

Caption

Recognizing the significance of equal pay and the disparity in wages paid to men and to Black women.

Impact

The resolution aims to reaffirm support for equal pay for equal work within the context of existing laws, such as the Equal Pay Act and the Civil Rights Act that prohibit pay discrimination. By recognizing Black Women's Equal Pay Day on July 9, 2024, it seeks to raise awareness about the ongoing injustices faced by Black women in the workplace. This situation has been exacerbated by systemic issues, including a lack of policies that provide affordable childcare and paid family leave, which disproportionately affect women, especially women of color.

Summary

HCR118 is a concurrent resolution recognizing the significance of equal pay and the disparity in wages between men and Black women. It highlights the persistent wage gap, where Black women earn significantly less than their White, non-Hispanic male counterparts—69 cents for every dollar earned. The resolution emphasizes that if current trends continue unchecked, Black women will take over a century to achieve pay parity, significantly disadvantaging them economically over their lifetimes. This disparity affects not only individual Black women but also their families and overall economic stability within communities across the nation.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HCR118 include the broader implications of failing to achieve pay equity. Supporters of the resolution argue that addressing the wage gap is crucial not only for fairness and justice but also for stimulating economic growth. They contend that centering Black women in discussions about wage equality can lead to substantial benefits for families and the economy. Critics, however, may challenge the sufficiency of existing laws in addressing the root causes of wage disparities, suggesting that more comprehensive and enforceable policies are necessary to effect real change.