Last Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (H.R. 11) and the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 12) by a vote of 247-171 and 256-163 respectively. A good start for the 111th Congress and women's rights supporters.

After the House vote on Jan. 9, the two bills were then bundled together into one bill, H.R. 11, and sent to the Senate. There could be a vote on the bundled bill or on the two Senate bills as early as this week.

As a feminist and young woman, this is an issue that is very important to me- as I believe it should be to everyone, both man and woman. Please contact your Senators and urge them to support the passage of these important bills!