The Paycheck Fairness Act

US Republicans block 'fair pay' bill
April 9, 2014 9:14 PM
By the bbc edited by me to make it shorter.

Senate Republicans argue the legislation would increase risk of lawsuits against companies
Republicans in the US Senate have blocked a Democratic bill aimed at closing the gap between what men and women are paid.

The Paycheck Fairness Act fell seven votes short of the 60 required to advance.

But Democrats cite Census Bureau data indicating women earn 77 cents for every dollar men earn.

'Good politics'

The bill would have barred employers from retaliating against employees who share salary information and limited the factors businesses can cite for paying women less than men.

But Republicans have argued that would increase frivolous lawsuits against companies.

"It's time for Washington Democrats to stop protecting trial lawyers and start focusing on actually helping the people we were sent here to represent," Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

Conservatives have rejected similar legislation in the upper chamber of Congress in 2010 and 2012.

In 2012, women backed Mr Obama 55% to 44% for Republican candidate Mitt Romney.

BBC © 2014