Tom Harkin actually said...

"The middle class is the backbone of our economy, and we have to grow that middle class to have a growing economy."

"If the minimum wage had kept pace with inflation since 1968, today it would be $10.56."

"The minimum wage in fact is worth 31 percent less than at its peak in 1968."

"Senator Harkin gave the numbers on the erosion in the buying power of the minimum wage."