Joe Crowley: “right now the Bush administration is in the process of promulgating regulations that would strip overtime pay for many…”

“right now the Bush administration is in the process of promulgating regulations that would strip overtime pay for many of America's first responders. Yes, after talking tough and continually stating that this White House and Republican Party supports America's first responders, the Bush administration and the Republicans are trying to pass into law regulations that will deprive millions of Americans, including police and firefighters who receive time and a half for that overtime work today, less money for their jobs protecting us. No one enters law enforcement or becomes a firefighter for the money, but this proposal by my colleagues would suggest so. As a Congressman from New York City whose district overlooks Manhattan, as someone who is the son of a police officer, the cousin of several firefighters, and whose spouse is a nurse, I know firsthand the needs of our first responders in protecting our country from terrorist attacks and keeping us safe. This bill continues this administration's and this Congress' past record of shortchanging cops and firefighters while pretending to stand with them.”