WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King today announced his support for the Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation that would strengthen the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and guarantee that women can challenge pay discrimination and hold employers accountable. 

“In the decades since Congress first passed the Equal Pay Act, we’ve seen real progress to close the wage gap – but it’s also clear that there is still work to be done,” said Senator King. “This legislation would increase pay transparency, empower employees to stand up to discrimination, and hold employers accountable for illegal and unjustifiable practices. It’s the right thing for American workers, the American economy, and American families.”

The Paycheck Fairness Act would strengthen and close loopholes in the Equal Pay Act of 1963 by holding employers accountable for discriminatory practices, ending the practice of pay secrecy, easing workers’ ability to individually or jointly challenge pay discrimination, and strengthening the available remedies for wronged employees. The bill would also provide assistance to businesses to help them with their equal pay practices and empower women and girls by creating a negotiation skills training program.

Senator King is a strong supporter of women’s economic empowerment and has backed a number of public policy solutions to address the identifiable factors that contribute to the difference in earnings between men and women. These efforts include legislation to ensure that employees are able to discuss their wages in the context of a sex discrimination investigation, helping working mothers avoid gaps in employment by promoting paid family leave, and supporting affordable childcare.