Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act which was signed into law on June 10, 1963 by President John F. Kennedy:

“When President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act of 1963, it was a historic moment in an effort to eliminate wage discrimination based on gender. In 1963, women only earned 59 cents for every dollar a man made and President Kennedy recognized that women should earn what they deserve and nothing less. Yet today, 50 years later, women still earn just 77 cents for every dollar that a man makes.

And though we have made significant progress in the last 50 years, we still have work to do. Equal pay is not a political issue – it’s an economic issue that affects families every day who are trying to make ends meet. When women bring home less money each day, families suffer because there is less to spend on every day needs like groceries, child care and doctor’s visits.

I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act of 2013 which closes loopholes in the Equal Pay Act and strengthens penalties for employers who discriminate based on gender. We must continue to fight discrimination anywhere it exists and ensure women get the equal pay they deserve. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass this legislation and help us break through the glass ceiling.”

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Contact: Rob NeSmith;        rob.nesmith@mail.house.gov;       202.225.2665