Merkley Applauds Senate Passage Of Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act

Press Release

The Senate today overwhelmingly passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act. Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley voted in favor of the legislation, which will ensure that workers facing wage discrimination can seek justice in the court system.

"Workers should have the opportunity to address pay discrimination in the court system and be compensated accordingly. Every person in America should receive equal pay for equal work, it's that simple," said Merkley, an original co-sponsor of the legislation.

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act is a response to the Supreme Court's 2007 Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. decision. While a lower court found that Lilly Ledbetter had suffered from pay discrimination by Goodyear for years, the Supreme Court threw out her case because she had not filed suit within six months of the first discriminatory paycheck. Today's legislation restores Congress' original intent and allows the victims of discrimination to seek compensation even if they only discover the discrimination later.

"The passage of this bill is long overdue and I am proud to be part of the effort to finally restore justice to workers in America. A strong economy begins with protecting and supporting our workers, this bill is a step in the right direction," said Merkley.

The bill will now go to the House of Representative for consideration.

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