Paycheck Fairness Legislation Draws Partisan Clashes

A Democratic bill intended to shrink the gender pay gap drew partisan clashes during a Feb. 13 House subcommittee hearing, with some Republicans cautioning the legislation is “unworkable” and may not accomplish its goals.

The legislation “imposes a one-size-fits-all mandate to one of the most varied and complex workplaces in the world,” said Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.), ranking member of the Education and Labor Workforce Protections Subcommittee. “Rather than allowing for informed discussions, the Paycheck Fairness Act strictly limits communication between employers and employees in the hiring decisions.”

Byrne, a former labor lawyer, was referring to legislation (H.R. 7 ...