WASHINGTON, July 18 (UPI) -- Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives announced legislation Thursday aimed at improving the lives of working women.
The bills, all sponsored by female lawmakers, attempt to end pay discrimination, reduce the cost of child care and provide paid leave for women caring for children, The Hill reported. The package is unlikely to pass the House, where Republicans are in the majority.
"When women succeed, America succeeds. This agenda is about the future of America's families and the growth of America's economy," Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said at a news conference outside the Capitol. "It is about unleashing the power of our nation's women and in doing so strengthening the middle class, the backbone of our democracy."
The Democrats have a gender advantage among women.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., sponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act, said that 50 years after Congress passed the Equal Pay Act women still average 77 cents for every dollar made by men.
"That comes to an average real difference of $11,000 per year," she said. "That is two years' worth of groceries, or over a year of rent."
