A concurrent resolution recognizing the significance of equal pay and the disparity in wages paid to men and to Black women.

This concurrent resolution recognizes Black Women's Equal Pay Day on July 21, 2026, highlighting the persistent and detrimental wage gap where Black women working full time and year round are paid only 65 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men. This figure drops to 63 cents when including part-time workers, despite the Equal Pay Act of 1963 . This disparity means Black women could lose over $1.1 million in potential earnings over a 40-year career, significantly impacting their ability to support families, save, and invest. The resolution notes that this wage gap persists across all levels of academic achievement and in leadership positions, with Black women with higher degrees experiencing an even larger disparity. Contributing factors include a lack of access to affordable childcare, insufficient family leave policies, and the disproportionate impact of attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Black women also face dual, compounding discrimination based on both their race and gender, and are overrepresented in low-wage and tipped occupations. If the wage gap were eliminated, Black women would gain significant financial resources for education, healthcare, housing, or childcare, benefiting both individuals and the economy. Congress recognizes the profound disparity in wages paid to Black women and its far-reaching impact, reaffirming its unwavering support for ensuring equal pay for equal work and actively working towards narrowing the gender wage gap.