Recognizing the significance of equal pay and the disparity in wages paid to Latina women in comparison to White, non-Hispanic men.

Bill Number

H.Con.Res. 56

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Labor and Employment

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-10-08: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2025-12-15T16:58:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 56) aims to recognize October 8, 2025, as "Latina Equal Pay Day" and highlight the ongoing wage disparity faced by Latina women compared to White, non-Hispanic men. It underscores the importance of equal pay and the broader economic and social impacts of the pay gap.

Key Provisions

• Background and Statistics: The resolution includes numerous "Whereas" clauses detailing the pay gap, such as Latinas earning 58 cents for every dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic men in full-time, year-round work (54 cents overall). It notes specific challenges for rural Latinas (43 cents per dollar), disabled Latinas (44 cents per dollar), and the lifetime earnings loss of over $1,200,000 for Latinas over a 40-year career.
• Historical Context: References existing laws like the Equal Pay Act of 1963 (which bans wage discrimination based on sex for equal work) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (which prohibits discrimination in pay based on race, color, religion, national origin, or sex).
• Contributing Factors: Discusses barriers like lack of access to childcare, transportation, healthcare, paid family leave, and workplace harassment, which force many Latinas to leave jobs or forgo advancement. It also notes that over 61% of minimum-wage workers in 2024 were women and that the pay gap affects sectors, education levels, and intersects with issues like poverty and homeownership.
• Resolved Actions: Congress recognizes the wage disparity's harm to women, families, the economy, and the U.S. overall. It reaffirms support for equal pay and closing the gender wage gap, emphasizing the need for better data collection and a multifaceted strategy addressing racial and gender injustices.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. As a concurrent resolution, this is a non-binding expression of Congress's views and does not amend, repeal, or enact any laws. It builds on existing anti-discrimination statutes without altering them.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Raises public awareness of the pay gap, potentially encouraging advocacy for better wages, workplace policies, and support services like childcare. It highlights economic losses for Latinas and families, which could indirectly promote discussions on wealth-building and poverty reduction.
• On Government Agencies: May prompt agencies like the Bureau of Labor Statistics or Census Bureau to improve data collection on wage disparities (e.g., more detailed breakdowns by race, ethnicity, disability, and location), though no mandates are imposed.
• On Businesses and Economy: Acknowledges how underpayment of Latinas harms businesses and the broader economy by reducing spending and productivity; could foster voluntary corporate efforts toward pay equity.
• On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. labor issues.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Latina Women and Families: Primary beneficiaries through increased visibility of their economic challenges and lost earnings.
• Workers and Labor Force: Particularly women in low-wage jobs, minimum-wage earners, and those in rural or underserved areas facing compounded disparities.
• National Organizations: Groups like the National Partnership for Women & Families and National Women's Law Center, which lead campaigns on Latina Equal Pay Day.
• Employers and Businesses: Affected indirectly by calls for equitable pay practices to address economic inefficiencies.
• Congress and Policymakers: Signals bipartisan (though introduced by Democrats) support for pay equity, potentially influencing future legislation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces existing protections under the Equal Pay Act and Civil Rights Act without creating new enforceable rights or penalties. It stresses the need for better data, which could support future enforcement actions by agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
• Constitutional: Aligns with the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment by highlighting gender and racial discrimination in pay, but as a resolution, it has no binding constitutional effect.
• Political: Serves as a symbolic gesture marking the 10th anniversary of the National Latina Equal Pay Day Campaign, potentially galvanizing support for related policies like paid leave or anti-harassment measures. Introduced by a diverse group of House members and referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, it reflects ongoing congressional focus on equity issues amid partisan debates on labor rights.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]

Cosponsors (33)

Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Rivas, Luz M. [D-CA-29], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-34], Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-10-08: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-10-08: Submitted in House
• 2025-10-08: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Recognizing the significance of equal pay and the disparity in wages paid to Latina women in comparison to White, non-Hispanic men. — issued 2025-10-08 — PDF (4 pages)