Kirk Watson: “on August 23, President Bush's new overtime pay take-away rules will go into effect. These rules will slash wages for…”

“on August 23, President Bush's new overtime pay take-away rules will go into effect. These rules will slash wages for over 6 million Americans. Since 2001, this administration has passively stood by while Americans lost their jobs and unemployment benefits; but here in Congress, we have a duty to fight for the safety and security of workers who need overtime wages to pay their bills and make ends meet. If these rules go forward, the outcome will be disastrous for working families who depend on the income from overtime wages in order to live. Hardworking mothers and fathers in my hometown of Los Angeles will see their workplace more than their homes, their bosses more than their families as they are forced to work longer hours for less pay. Mr. Speaker, it is outrageous for Congress to deny overtime pay to the nurses, policemen, secretaries and every other person who works for a living, while the administration rewards millionaires and big corporations with tax breaks. Slashing overtime wages is another example of this administration's disregard for the well-being of the middle class.”