The bill, dubbed the Paycheck Fairness Act, was introduced by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn.,Politico reported. DeLauro has introduced the bill each year since 1997, and this year it saw its highest level of support ever as all 242 Democratic members of the House voted in favor of it. Seven Republicans also backed the bill, including its sole Republican co-sponsor, Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey. 

In addition, the bill would bar retaliation by employers against workers who discuss their salaries with other employees. 

According to the Politico article, Democrats will now attempt to pressure Senate GOP leaders to take up the bill, though Republicans have long warned the bill would heighten the risks of lawsuits for businesses. 

House Republicans countered the bill on the same day by introducing their own plan to address the gender pay gap. Authored by Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., the bill is said to be more pro-business and would not come with as much compliance risk.