In Honor of Women's History Month

Floor Speech

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor and recognize the month of March as Women's History Month. The contributions of women to our history and society are too often ignored in favor of narratives that honor men alone. We must highlight the work and accomplishments of our women pioneers such that the next generation aspires to emulate them.

One such instance is the efforts of Lily Ledbetter and her fight against pay discrimination that culminated in President Barack Obama signing the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 into law on January 29, 2009. The law changed the 180-day statute of limitations for filing a pay discrimination lawsuit to reset with each new paycheck in which pay discrimination is alleged. The bill was ultimately passed after the Supreme Court sided with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Lily Ledbetter's pay discrimination suit against them. The act modified the law to clarify that pay discrimination occurs each time someone is subjected to pay discrimination, not just when the initial discriminatory decision is made. Lily Ledbetter's historic fight against pay discrimination ensured workers' would have a better chance to prove pay discrimination based on race, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, as we honor and recognize the month of March as Women's History Month, let us recognize the progress women have made and their myriad accomplishments. We must also rededicate ourselves to preserving and expanding this progress, as well as honoring our past and present female pioneers.

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