Us Congress House Bill HCR97

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/24
• Refer: 3/12/24

Caption

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

Impact

This resolution emphasizes the need for actionable measures aimed at closing the gender wage gap. If improvements are made, it is estimated that poverty among women could decrease significantly, by over 40%, contributing to a more stable economy. Moreover, closing the wage gap could potentially add more than $541 billion in wage and salary income annually to the economy, indicating a strong link between gender pay equity and overall economic health.

Summary

HCR97 is a concurrent resolution recognizing the significance of equal pay and the disparity between wages paid to men and women. The resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to supporting equal pay and addressing the gender wage gap, which continues to persist despite the existence of laws prohibiting discrimination in compensation based on sex. As of now, women earn an average of 84 cents for every dollar earned by men, with even larger gaps for women of color, highlighting a broader social and economic issue that affects many households across the nation.

Contention

While this resolution is largely supported by various advocacy groups and aligns with broader social justice goals, it may face opposition from certain sectors that argue against additional mandates on businesses. Concerns about how such policies might impact labor markets or lead to increased regulation are often cited by detractors. However, proponents insist that the benefits of equal pay and reducing wage disparities ultimately far outweigh any potential drawbacks, as they strengthen families and enhance economic security.