John,

I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the countless men and women on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis today. Health care, food, sanitary workers, childcare providers, first responders, and doctors – many of us know them, some of us are them.

Without the selfless work of the millions of people on the frontlines, we would not be able to face this crisis. Congress has an obligation to make sure these patriots are protected, and that includes providing the necessary equipment that saves lives, paid leave, and the safest working environments possible.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women represent nearly 80 percent of the healthcare workforce. Today is Equal Pay Day, marking how far into the new year women must work on average to earn what a white non-Hispanic man earned the previous year.

All workers – no matter who they are or how they identify – deserve to earn equal pay for equal work. Today, join me in thanking the women and men who are putting our communities first. Add your name today.

John, it’s been proven time and again that equal pay for men and women is good for working families and the economy. And in a crisis like this, we need to make sure everyone is earning their fair share.

An increasing number of American women are the main source of income for their families, making the gender wage gap a national problem that further disparages a woman's ability to support herself and her loved ones. When women make less than their male counterparts for the same work, that is less money they earned to take home for groceries, rent, and other necessities like childcare.

As we band together as a nation to combat the outbreak, we need to make sure no worker is left behind – including the women putting their health in danger on the frontlines.

Together, we will make it through these unprecedented times – so join me in thanking America's workers. I will continue to monitor the situation closely and work to make sure Washington families, businesses, and systems get the support they need.

Thank you, and stay well,

Suzan DelBene