Senate GOP Blocks Bill to Stiffen Pay Discrimination Rules Jun 09 2021, 5:30 AM June 09 2021, 4:48 AM June 09 2021, 5:30 AM (Bloomberg) -- Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic bill that would impose tougher standards and bigger penalties on companies over claims of pay discrimination based on sex. (Bloomberg) -- Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic bill that would impose tougher standards and bigger penalties on companies over claims of pay discrimination based on sex. The bill, H.R. 7, failed to advance on a 49-50 vote that was well short of the 60 needed. It marked the second time Senate Republicans used the filibuster to block legislation since President Joe Biden took office.