Political Quotes

“The ``thugs.'' Are those the friends of the folks who attacked this Capitol? Is that who you are talking about? Those are thugs. Madam Speaker, for 44 years, I have been a member of the IBEW. My brothers went to college. I did the other thing. I went to the other 4- year school, an apprenticeship. My entire life has been about speaking for those voices, those workers who didn't have a voice. Listen to this: Employers shouldn't make the decision, and unions shouldn't make the decision. Employees make the decision whether or not they want to enter into a collective bargaining agreement. That is one of the reasons why I and five others formed the Labor Caucus, because their voices are not being heard. Unlimited money, the total control of the workplace--OSHA injuries are much higher on nonunion jobs than union jobs. Why? Because workers have a voice. They have better health benefits; they have better pensions; they have dignity in retiring. Madam Speaker, I have spent 44 years and have been involved with 30 organizing campaigns. I know what it is like to go out and get those cards signed. I know what it is like to have a fair election, and that is what we need. Fairness in America still counts, and workers have been on the wrong end of that deal for so long. Madam Speaker, I am asking my colleagues to do what is right for America. Pass the PRO Act. We are all in this together.”