Republicans in the US senate yesterday blocked a Democrat-supported Bill aimed at addressing a gap in pay between male and female workers.
On a 53-44 vote, supporters fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance the Bill. Republicans called the measure a political ploy whose purpose was to attract women voters to the Democratic side in the November elections.
Forty-two Republicans and one independent, Angus King of Maine, voted against the Bill. Senate majority leader Harry Reid switched his vote from yes to no to reserve his right to bring up the Bill again.
Democrats cast all 53 yes votes.
The action came a day after President Barack Obama signed two executive orders to help close what has been a longstanding gender pay gap by requiring federal contractors to disclose more wage data and allow employees to share salary information.
The senate Democrats’ Paycheck Fairness Act would have imposed the same requirement on private employers.
Frivolous lawsuits
But Republicans dismissed the Bill, saying pay discrimination was already illegal and that the legislation would prompt frivolous lawsuits and discourage companies from hiring women.
“This legislation would double down on job loss – all while lining the pockets of trial lawyers,” said senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.
Mr Reid rejected the Republicans’ criticism, saying: “Simply put, the Paycheck Fairness Act gives American women the fair shot they deserve.”
The Bill is the first piece of the senate Democrats' new legislative agenda, called "A Fair Shot For Everyone". It is set to be voted on in the coming weeks and months in advance of the November elections.
– (Reuters)