McCain, Ignoring Own Record, Claims Commitment to Equal Pay

Earlier today, Senator John McCain told voters assembled at a Wisconsin town hall meeting that he is a committed supporter of equal pay: “We have not done enough. And I’m committed to making sure that there’s equal pay for equal work. That there is equal opportunity in every aspect of our society. And that is my record and you can count on it.”

In response, People For the American Way President Kathryn Kolbert issued the following statement:

“Senator McCain is half right. He certainly hasn’t done enough to secure equal pay for equal work. In fact, his actions in recent years have directly undermined the ability of American workers — especially women — to receive equal pay. That is John McCain’s real record, and that is what the public can count on.”

“Senator McCain had a crucial opportunity to support equal pay in April. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was up for a vote in the Senate, but McCain didn’t bother to show up. Even worse, he’s repeatedly said he won’t support the bill and claimed that it wouldn’t help women.

“The Fair Pay Act would have undone the Supreme Court’s ruling in Ledbetter v. Goodyear, which made it easier for companies to get away with paying discriminatory wages. The ruling was a massive setback to equal pay for equal work, but Senator McCain publicly endorsed it. He has also repeatedly committed to nominate justices in the mold of Samuel Alito, the author of the ruling.

“Senator McCain should know better than to claim a commitment to equal pay when his record proves otherwise. His record is his record, and he should be honest about it with the American public.”