Employment equity bills pass House

Two bills that would alleviate gender-based discrimination and make compensation more transparent passed the U.S. House on Friday. The Lilly Ledbetter Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act passed roughly down party lines, with Democrats claiming the bills would make the workplace more equitable for all workers and Republicans complaining that the bills would be a boon to trial lawyers.

Minnesota’s congressional delegation voted for the bills except for Republican Reps. Michele Bachmann, John Kline and Erik Paulsen.