John W. Olver: “as American workers and families struggle for economic security, the 104th Congress has an obligation to help. First…”

“as American workers and families struggle for economic security, the 104th Congress has an obligation to help. First, this Congress must protect the credit and good name of our Nation. Congress should pass clean legislation to avoid default on our debt now, this week. Next, we should raise the national minimum wage so working families can survive without Government assistance. Then we should provide workers with portable health insurance and guarantee that no one can be denied health coverage due to a preexisting condition. We should balance this budget, but only in a way that protects our parents' pensions, provides education and job training, keeps our streets and schools safe, and protects our environment. Mr. Speaker, Americans are skeptical that their Government can do anything to make their futures brighter. We should prove them wrong.”