WASHINGTON – This afternoon, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced the introduction of her bill to reinforce and strengthen the law regarding equal pay. Senator Fischer released the following statement:

“I am pleased to introduce legislation to reaffirm our commitment to the principle of equal pay for equal work. The Workplace Advancement Act takes an important step forward by providing necessary updates to current law regarding non-retaliation – a change supported on a bipartisan basis during the recent budget debate.

“Any legislator – Republican or Democrat – who is seriously interested in making progress on this issue for women and moving past electioneering and scoring political points should step up and support the proposal. For the first time in over half a century, we have the opportunity to update the Equal Pay Act with a bill that actually provides needed changes and can realistically pass.”

Last month, as part of the fiscal year 2016 budget, the Republican-led United States Senate passed an amendment offered by Senator Fischer on a bipartisan vote of 56 to 43. The amendment was supported by 53 Republicans and Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Joe Donnelly (I-Ind.), and Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.). This bill includes the same language and other provisions to prevent retaliation against employees who inquire about, or discuss, their salaries, while also reinforcing current law banning gender discrimination under both the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Senator Fischer’s bill contains language similar to President Obama’s April 2014 executive order, clearly stating that employees cannot be punished for exercising their First Amendment rights by speaking with employers or coworkers about their wages.

This legislation, which is similar to an amendment Fischer offered last year, does not authorize any new federal regulations, nor does it compel employers to disclose salary information – it simply prevents punitive action against employees seeking information.

Click here to view the text of S. 875 – The Workplace Advancement Act.