Washington, D.C. – This morning, President Obama signed his first piece of legislation into law, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Strongly supported by U.S. Rep. Schwartz, this bill takes a major step forward to begin to close gender pay discrimination in the U.S. by reversing a Supreme Court decision that has kept women from pursuing pay discrimination claims. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act clarifies that each discriminatory paycheck or compensation constitutes a violation of the Civil Rights Act. As long as workers file their charges within 180 days of a discriminatory paycheck, their charges would be considered timely. This was the law prior to the Supreme Court’s May 2007 decision.

Washington, D.C. – Today, with Rep. Schwartz’s support, the U.S. House passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by a vote of 244 to 188. This bold legislation will create and save 3 to 4 million American jobs, provide 95% of American workers an immediate tax deduction, and make investments in innovation in healthcare, education and energy. These investments are all designed to address not just America’s short term economic crisis, but to rebuild our economy for long term growth.

Washington, D.C. – A day after massive layoffs for more than 55,000 workers were announced, the House took up debate on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This bold legislation will create and save 3 to 4 million American jobs, provide 95% of American workers an immediate tax deduction, and make investments in innovation in healthcare, education and energy. These investments are all designed to address not just America’s short term economic crisis, but to rebuild our economy for long term growth.