Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of raising the minimum wage for millions in our country. This important legislation raises the wage for 45 percent of workers in my district, and provides a wage increase of nearly $640,000. The Raise the Wage Act will indeed lift thousands of my constituents out of poverty and provide opportunity for economic mobility. However, I would like to highlight the work I have done on this legislation to make it more amenable to small, family owned businesses. While I certainly acknowledge that every day Americans deserve a raise, we in Congress must be above rhetoric and talking points. With such a significant change proposed to the minimum wage, this must be carried out in a precise, tactful manner. As of June of this year, the unemployment rate in the United States is a mere 3.7 percent. It is critical that policies we pass through this House do not interrupt or deter this economic prosperity. Furthermore, while I support this important legislation, we must consider how it will affect small businesses and their economic futures. Therefore, I have negotiated with the Committee a provision to lengthen the phase in period to $15 minimum wage until the year 2026. Additionally, I am a co-sponsor of the O'Halleran Amendment. This amendment will require a comprehensive GAO report on national and regional economic impacts of the minimum wage increases in this bill.…”