Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, Wendy's, one of the world's largest fast-food chains, plans to replace human employees with automated self-service kiosks in many of its 6,500 restaurants around the country and around the world in an effort to counteract minimum wage hikes throughout the United States. I don't blame Wendy's at all. They can either react or they can close up their doors, and then no one will be working. The economics on the issue are pretty clear. Wendy's is doing what they have to do to survive, and others will certainly follow suit. They will adapt, or they will be gone. When the government unnecessarily and unilaterally increases the cost of labor and imposes it on the job creators, the jobs are probably going to be replaced through automation and technological advancement. This is nothing new. This technology is not new. Wendy's could have done this a long time ago if they just wanted to maximize their profits, as every single corporation in America seems to be accused of doing these days. But these are the job creators. These are the job makers. They have chosen now because they have no other choice. Many people say that this is an artificial wage and that it actually discourages employment and distorts the market. Well, here is the proof. This is exactly what is happening. And don't blame Wendy's. They are trying to survive in a 2 percent economy. Mr. Speaker, let's not lock out millions of people from their entry- level employment.…”