Heinrich: Equal Pay For Equal Work Is Both Fair And Right

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement today after President Obama signed an Executive Order that would promote equal pay for equal work amongst federal contractors.

Senator Heinrich also marked Equal Pay Day by urging Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill aimed at combatting wage discrimination on the basis of gender.

"Equal pay for equal work is both fair and right. With a little transparency and sunlight, I know we can get there. No one should have to worry that they will lose their job for wanting to know if they are paid the same as an equally qualified co-worker," said Sen. Heinrich. "The President took a critical step today to ensure that every woman has a fair shot at fairness and economic success. Now it's our turn. I urge every one of my colleagues to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act so that women have the tools needed to achieve equal pay for equal work."

Sen. Heinrich is a staunch proponent of equal pay for equal work. In 2009, then-Representative Heinrich voted to pass the Lilly Ledbetter Act, which is now law and allows victims of pay discrimination to more effectively report and combat pay discrimination in the workplace. Sen. Heinrich is currently a cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act.