Kirk Watson: “what a fraud, what a sham. I am embarrassed to be part of a House where they spring on us a bill that neither the…”

“what a fraud, what a sham. I am embarrassed to be part of a House where they spring on us a bill that neither the American people nor few of my colleagues have had a chance to review. American workers and their families have been waiting 9 long years for an increase in the minimum wage. I represent those people. Maybe you don't. The real inflation-adjusted value of the minimum wage is at its lowest point in 50 years. Democrats have been desperately trying for years to bring an increase in the minimum wage to the floor, but the Republican leadership has sought to block it at every turn. While working families have seen their wages fall, the U.S. Congress has received nine wage raises. Mr. Speaker, as a result, this bill will not become law and, hence, we will not help any of the almost 15 million minimum-wage earners in the United States. What a fraud. Shame on us. Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen).”