By Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th)
This week, we considered the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will create jobs and secure long-term economic growth by investing in the future. The Senate is expected to take up economic recovery legislation this week, and I hope they will act swiftly so we can send a final bill to President Obama. With this bill, Congress continues to make the tough choices and smart investments required to ensure an immediate recovery and future economic stability.
On Tuesday, the House passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act that addresses pay discrimination in the workplace. Pay discrimination has an undue impact on every woman in every workplace in America, and passage of this bill marks another step forward in the fight for full equality. On Thursday, I was present at the White House when President Obama signed this historic legislation into law, the first of his Administration.
Yesterday, I spoke at the Families USA Health Action 2009 conference on the importance of taking action on comprehensive health care reform. This issue is especially important during a time of economic crisis when job losses and rising costs are making health care unaffordable for more American families.
Next week, we will bring legislation to the Floor that will delay the transition to digital television to ensure Americans are ready for the switch. The work on economic recovery legislation will continue in the Senate, and we will be prepared to take up additional bills addressing the challenges facing our nation. The Senate completed action on the State Children's Health Insurance Program this week, and the House could possibly take final action next week.