Generations even. Even though it is against the law and has been against the law since the passage of the equal pay act in 1963. The gender pay gap persists across all states and nearly all occupations. As we seek to build a 21st century work force, more than 73 million working women are at a disadvantage because of pay inequity and other barriers based on gender. While we have come a ways from the days of overt pay discriminations, such as the 1930s when the federal government no less required women to be paid 25 less than their male counterparts. The pay gap exists, persists. Its bad enough that women with equal education and experience get paid less, it gets worse. A recent New York University study found that when women begin to enter predominantly male occupations, pay in those fields decreased overall. For example, when women began to pursue careers in design, wages dropped more than 30 . When they entered careers in biology, wages dropped 18 . The study also showed the converse.
Direct our path. Lord, thank you for our lawmakers who seek to fulfill your purposes in their labors. Give them the wisdom and courage they need to glorify your name, as they strive always to live worthy of the mercies you daily bestow. May their work be a delight as they make you the only constituent they always seek to please. Help us all to remember that you know what is best for us, so please have your way. We pray in your strong name. Amen. The president pro tempore please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to our flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Mcconnell mr. President . The presiding officer the majority leader. Mr. Mcconnell i suggest the absence of a quorum. The presiding officer the clerk will call the roll. Quorum call quorum call the presiding officer the majority leader. Mr. Mcconnell i ask consent that further pro