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US Senate Republicans block 'Paycheck Fairness Act' US Senate Republicans block 'Paycheck Fairness Act'
(about 2 hours later)
Republicans in the US Senate have blocked a Democratic bill aimed at closing the gap between what men and women are paid.Republicans in the US Senate have blocked a Democratic bill aimed at closing the gap between what men and women are paid.
The Paycheck Fairness Act fell seven votes short of the 60 required to advance in the chamber.The Paycheck Fairness Act fell seven votes short of the 60 required to advance in the chamber.
Republicans dismiss the bill as an election year ploy that would invite frivolous lawsuits.Republicans dismiss the bill as an election year ploy that would invite frivolous lawsuits.
But Democrats cite Census Bureau data indicating women earn 77 cents for every dollar men earn.But Democrats cite Census Bureau data indicating women earn 77 cents for every dollar men earn.
"For reasons known only to them, Senate Republicans don't seem to be interested in closing wage gaps for working women," said Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, after every Democrat voted in favour of the motion to end debate on the bill, and every Republican and one independent Senator voted against it. "Republicans in Congress continue to oppose serious efforts to create jobs, grow the economy, and level the playing field for working families," President Barack Obama, a Democrat, said in a statement.
The bill needed 60 votes to proceed to a final up-or-down vote for passage. It failed 53-44, with Mr Reid changing his vote from yes to no at the last minute in a procedural manoeuvre enabling him to bring the bill up for debate again. "That's wrong, and it's harmful for our national efforts to rebuild an economy that gives every American who works hard a fair shot to get ahead."
The bill needed 60 votes to proceed to a final up-or-down vote for passage. It failed 53-44, with Senate Democratic Majority Harry Reid changing his vote from yes to no at the last minute in a procedural manoeuvre enabling him to bring the bill up for debate again.
'Good politics''Good politics'
The bill would have barred employers from retaliating against employees who share salary information and limited the factors businesses can cite for paying women less than men.The bill would have barred employers from retaliating against employees who share salary information and limited the factors businesses can cite for paying women less than men.
But Republicans have argued that would increase frivolous lawsuits against companies.But Republicans have argued that would increase frivolous lawsuits against companies.
"It's time for Washington Democrats to stop protecting trial lawyers and start focusing on actually helping the people we were sent here to represent," Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said."It's time for Washington Democrats to stop protecting trial lawyers and start focusing on actually helping the people we were sent here to represent," Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said.
Conservatives have rejected similar legislation in the upper chamber of Congress in 2010 and 2012.Conservatives have rejected similar legislation in the upper chamber of Congress in 2010 and 2012.
"I can't imagine how they think that's good politics," White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters ahead of the vote. The bill's failure came a day after Mr Obama issued two executive orders aimed at reducing gender disparities in government workforce pay.
"It's certainly not good policy."
The bill's failure came a day US President Barack Obama issued two executive orders aimed at reducing gender disparities in government workforce pay.
The bill was the latest battle waged by the political parties to attract crucial women voters as they approach the mid-term elections in November.The bill was the latest battle waged by the political parties to attract crucial women voters as they approach the mid-term elections in November.
Those elections will determine which party controls the US Senate and House of Representatives for the final two years of Mr Obama's presidential term.Those elections will determine which party controls the US Senate and House of Representatives for the final two years of Mr Obama's presidential term.
Polling suggests women voters trend significantly toward the Democrats.Polling suggests women voters trend significantly toward the Democrats.
In 2012, women backed Mr Obama 55% to 44% for Republican candidate Mitt Romney.In 2012, women backed Mr Obama 55% to 44% for Republican candidate Mitt Romney.