Congressman Moran’s News Commentary

Lilly Ledbetter worked for nearly 20 years at a Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. She sued her employer after learning that she was paid less than her male counterparts, despite having more experience than several of them

. A jury even found that her employer had unlawfully discriminated against her on the basis of sex. However, the Supreme Court said that Ledbetter had waited too long to sue for pay discrimination, despite the fact that she filed a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as soon as she received an anonymous note alerting her to pay discrimination.

The Ledbetter Supreme Court decision ignored the reality of the workplace – where employees generally have no way of knowing when an employer’s initial decision to pay them less occurs. Generally, employees do not know enough about what their co-workers earn, or how pay decisions are made in order to file a complaint precisely when discrimination first occurs. Indeed, in a large proportion of American companies, salaries are confidential.

The Ledbetter decision has allowed employers to escape responsibility by keeping their discrimination hidden and running out the clock. Under the Supreme Court decision, employers have an incentive to keep discriminatory pay decisions hidden for 180 days and then never correct them. Once 180 days have elapsed, the employer can continue paying discriminatory wages to the employee for the rest of her career.

But this week Congress sought to help the Lilly Ledbetters of the world fight back against this kind of employment mistreatment. The Lilly Ledbetter Act, of which I am a cosponsor, was passed by the House on Tuesday and flew through the Senate last week. It clarifies that as long as workers file a discrimination charge within 180 days of a discriminatory paycheck, their charges would be considered timely–the law prior to the Supreme Court’s May 2007 decision.

While sadly it’s too late for Lilly to receive her due compensation, others will be helped by her cause. Lilly’s story has inspired women the world over with her courage and determination to take on the powers that be in the name of equality and justice. President Obama has stated he supports the legislation. I look forward to the day, coming very soon, when Lilly and the President get to visit in the Rose Garden following enactment of this much needed legislation.

Recent News

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
On Key

Stories that may interest you

Senator Saddam Salim Richmond Report

U.S. Strikes in Iran: the Urgent Need for Congressional Oversight On June 21st, President Trump abruptly attacked Iranian nuclear facilities with American bombers. The next day, he abruptly announced a

Beyer Floor Remarks Opposing H.R. 1

July 3, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) this morning delivered the following remarks on H.R. 1, aka the One Big Ugly Bill Act, during debate on the measure: “From

A Penny for Your Thoughts 7-3-2025

Growing up in post-World War II America presented few options for young women past high school. College graduates could aspire to be elementary school teachers or nurses but, once married,

Support Local News!

For Information on Advertising:

Legitimate news organizations need grass roots support like never before, and that includes your Falls Church News-Press. For more than 33 years, your News-Press has kept its readers informed and enlightened. We can’t continue without the support of our readers. This means YOU! Please step up in these challenging times to support the news source you are reading right now!