Washington, D.C.—The Heritage Foundation's Rachel Greszler, research fellow in economics, budget and entitlements, offered the following statement in response to the House passing H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act: 

All Americans deserve to be paid fairly according to the work they perform, but the so-called Paycheck Fairness Act hurts women by discouraging businesses from hiring them and disrespecting the choices they make for their lives.

 

Women in the same occupation, with the same experience, education, and number of hours worked are paid equally and sometimes more than their male peers. That is why this “pay gap” is best described as a choice gap, considering many women prefer flexible work schedules rather than longer hours and higher pay.

 

All workers should have the freedom to negotiate pay based on their personal needs without government intervention. Instead of trying to micromanage employers’ practices to artificially eliminate the “wage gap,” policymakers should focus on reducing barriers to opportunity and supporting women in the choices they make for themselves.