DENNIS A. CARDOZA: “with home values dropping and the cost of health care, home heating oil and college education continuing to rise…”

“with home values dropping and the cost of health care, home heating oil and college education continuing to rise, American families are justifiably uneasy about their ability to make ends meet in a declining economy. The Democratic Congress has made protecting middle-class families its highest priority. Over the course of this year, we have passed billions in tax relief for American small businesses, increased the minimum wage for the first time in a decade, passed legislation that cuts taxes for middle-class families and given families the most financial assistance for college since the GI Bill. The New Direction Congress is also working to reach bipartisan agreements to address the subprime loan crisis and predatory loan practices that are threatening to force thousands of American families from their homes. Today, we will bring a comprehensive energy bill to the floor that will provide some much-needed relief at the gas pump as well. Madam Speaker, the needs and concerns of our Nation's working families remain one of this Congress' top priorities.”