US House passes bill for equal pay for women; A win for USWNT

The United States House has passed a bill that allows equal pay for women competing at international events. This means that all American women will receive the same financial compensation as men during tournaments such as the World Cup and the Olympics.

Passed late Wednesday evening, the Equal Pay for Team USA Act covers more than 50 sports that the country competes in internationally. Organizations such as the Olympics and Paralympic committees are required to oversee the financial aspects of the agreement.

Bill passed both House and Senate

Co-sponsor of the bill Senator Maria Cantwell thanked soccer stars in her speech following the approval. “I … want to thank heroes like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, who brought that case against U.S. Soccer,” said Cantwell. “U.S. women’s soccer led the charge after winning the World Cup and making it clear to everyone that women athletes deserve equal pay.”

The bill was previously approved unanimously by the Senate. Now that it has passed both the Senate and House, the bill will now go to President Joe Biden’s desk for final approval.

U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone also released a statement regarding the news. “By sending this legislation to the president, both houses have sent a clear message that this is the standard for all national teams in all sports and it underscores the importance of working with our athletes to achieve equal pay including equalizing international prize money,” Parlow Cone said.

U.S. soccer previously agreed a new deal in May

The USWNT received a major financial boost earlier in the month after the USMNT beat Iran in the World Cup. Women on the USWNT roster picked up about $380,000 due to the victory. An agreement between the two American teams was previously agreed last summer.

Unions on the USMNT and USWNT settled a new collective bargaining agreement in May. The deal allows the two teams to work together to benefit both unions. Prior arrangements meant that the Americans were essentially competing for resources.

Photo: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire