Political Quotes

“this amendment being offered by the Republican Member from California, Mr. Riggs, is a fine example of what Democrats can do when we are persistent in our demands for justice for workers. The Republican leadership resisted and resisted and resisted. Finally, some Republicans, such as Mr. Riggs, who have heard from their low wage working families, have been brave enough to say no to Newt Gingrich and Dick Armey. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to ask all of those Republicans who support this Democratic initiative to stay the course, stay in this fight, and resist the Goodling amendment that will come after this vote. In particular, the Goodling amendment will undermine the minimum wage increase and exclude some 10.5 million workers in certain businesses. Members cannot give with one hand and then take back with the other hand. Those who claim they are now in support of the minimum wage increase must stay this course if they are to have any credibility. I sincerely thank the gentleman from California [Mr. Riggs], and his allies in this effort for joining the Democrats on this most important initiative to increase the minimum wage for those low wage earners who are so deserving of a little bit of support from the Members of Congress. Mr. Speaker, for those who ask the question why was it not done early, let us get rid of that rhetoric. Then was then, and now is now. Let us do what we can do for American workers.”