Senate GOP Uses Filibuster, Blocks Democrat-Backed Paycheck Fairness Act

Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo; Win McNamee/Getty Images

Senate Republicans on Tuesday used the filibuster to block a Democrat-backed bill that would address the “wage gap” that allegedly exists between men and women.

The Paycheck Fairness Act, which faced significant opposition, failed by a vote of 49-50, falling short of the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome the filibuster. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) missed the vote.