G. K. Butterfield: “House Republicans are ignoring the priorities of America's families. Once again they refuse to bring up one single bill…”

“House Republicans are ignoring the priorities of America's families. Once again they refuse to bring up one single bill that will help working families who are struggling to make ends meet. This morning I would like to offer my Republican colleagues a challenge: Name for me one bill that you have passed into law this year that has significantly helped middle-class Americans. The American people want a government that works for them, and right now under this House Republican majority, they are not getting it. Middle-class Americans are struggling. For 5 years their wages have remained stagnant, while everything else, housing and health care, energy costs, food, and college costs, has increased dramatically. If you factor in inflation, hourly wages are only .7 percent higher today than they were in 2001. Weekly wages are about the same. It is no wonder that a large majority of Americans are concerned about their futures. But House Republicans refuse to listen. Madam Speaker, America works best when we work together for the common good. It is time for a change in Washington. ____________________”