Rep. Peters Protests Rumored Early Dismissal, Fights for Vote on Pay Equity

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) began his effort to convince Speaker John Boehner that the House of Representatives should not adjourn at the end of next week, as has been widely reported. Over the next two weeks, Rep. Peters will highlight legislative priorities that are awaiting action in Congress and should be addressed before the House adjourns until mid-November.

“Congress is just returning from a 5 week long district work period and there are too many pressing items for us to turn around and leave the Capitol for another 7 weeks,” Rep. Peters said. “Our constituents sent us to Washington to do a job: find legislative agreements, quit the partisan bickering, and get to work on bipartisan proposals to improve their quality of life. Sending Members home shows the American people that House Republican leadership is more concerned with political campaigns than actually getting things done.”

Instead, Rep. Peters called on House Republican leadership to allow a vote on H.R. 377, the “Paycheck Fairness Act,” which would build on the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work. Rep. Peters is a cosponsor of the bill and signed a petition attempting to force a vote on the legislation.

“Women deserve equal pay for equal work, period,” Rep. Peters said. “As we continue the work of generations of women to bring a more fair society, pay equity must be the cornerstone of our efforts. I will continue to call on Speaker Boehner to bring this bill to the floor for a vote – women and girls in San Diego and across the country deserve nothing less.”

Rep. Peters has also recently hosted two events focused on expanding economic growth, affordable and accessible childcare, and educational opportunities for women: a forum at the University of San Diego with Rep. Linda Sánchez entitled “When Women Succeed, San Diego Succeeds”; and last week’s “Workshop and Policy Summit for Women and Working Families” with Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni G. Atkins.

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