Recognizing the significance of equal pay and the disparity between wages paid to men and women.

This concurrent resolution acknowledges the persistent and significant disparity in wages between men and women, despite existing laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Civil Rights Act prohibiting sex-based discrimination. It highlights that women working full-time, year-round, are paid an average of 83 cents for every dollar paid to men, with even wider gaps for women of color. The resolution notes that the gender wage gap grew in 2024 and projects it will take decades, or even centuries for some groups, to achieve pay equity. The resolution details the substantial financial impact of this disparity, including a median annual earnings gap of $11,550 , accumulating to nearly $462,000 over a career. It emphasizes that women earn less than men at every level of academic achievement and that mothers are paid significantly less than fathers. The collective annual lost wages for full-time employed women exceed $994 million , which negatively affects family spending and economic growth. Furthermore, the resolution points out that the wage gap contributes to women holding two-thirds of the nation's student loan debt and impacts their ability to save for retirement, leading to higher poverty rates among older women. It identifies contributing factors such as the concentration of women in low-wage jobs, lack of pay transparency, insufficient family-friendly policies like affordable childcare and paid leave, and workplace harassment. Ultimately, Congress reaffirms its commitment to supporting equal pay, recognizing that achieving it strengthens families, businesses, and the overall economy.