Congress Recognizes Black Women Earn 66 Cents on the Dollar, Calls for Pay Equity

This concurrent resolution, which is essentially Congress making a formal statement of recognition and intent, calls attention to the persistent and severe wage gap affecting Black women in the American workforce. It clearly states that Black women working full-time, year-round, earn approximately 66 cents for every dollar earned by a White, non-Hispanic man. This isn’t a new problem, but the resolution puts a spotlight on the fact that despite decades of anti-discrimination laws, the disparity remains massive, costing the average Black woman nearly $1,019,200 in lost earnings over a 40-year career.

The Million-Dollar Problem

When we talk about policy, it’s easy to get lost in percentages, but this resolution spells out the real-world cost. Losing over a million dollars in lifetime earnings isn’t just a statistic; it’s the difference between financial security and constant struggle for families. Since over 69% of Black mothers are the sole or primary breadwinners, this pay gap hits household budgets hard. The resolution points out that closing this gap could fund two extra years of college tuition or pay off the average federal student loan debt in under two years—money that would immediately flow back into local economies.

Why the Gap Persists: Systemic Roadblocks

The resolution doesn’t just state the problem; it identifies the systemic roadblocks keeping the gap wide. One major factor is the lack of a robust care infrastructure. When affordable childcare, paid family leave, and paid sick leave are unavailable, Black women are often forced to choose between family care and career advancement, which stalls their earnings. Furthermore, the resolution highlights how workplace harassment disproportionately affects Black women, often forcing them to change jobs or avoid promotions, further suppressing their wages.

The Secrecy Loophole

Another key issue identified is pay secrecy. The resolution notes that 60% of private sector workers are discouraged or prohibited from discussing their wages. Think about that: if you can’t talk about what your coworker makes, how are you supposed to know if you’re being underpaid because of your gender or race? This secrecy allows pay discrimination to hide in plain sight, making it incredibly difficult for workers to identify and challenge unfair compensation practices. By formally recognizing this dynamic, Congress is laying the groundwork to address the lack of pay transparency that enables discrimination.

What This Means for Future Policy

While this resolution doesn't mandate any new laws or spending—it's a statement of intent, not an enforceable statute—it is highly significant. By formally acknowledging the intersectional nature of the pay gap (how race and gender discrimination compound each other), Congress is creating an official legislative record. This record provides powerful political and moral backing for future bills that aim to mandate pay transparency, strengthen anti-discrimination enforcement, and invest in the care infrastructure that working families desperately need. Essentially, this resolution is the policy equivalent of saying, “We see the receipts, and we agree this is a massive problem that needs fixing.”