Jennifer Dunn: “for too long, Congress has lived by a double-standard, passing dozens of laws, imposing hundreds of regulations on the…”

“for too long, Congress has lived by a double-standard, passing dozens of laws, imposing hundreds of regulations on the private sector while at the same time exempting itself from those same laws and regulations. How long has Congress enjoyed the double standard? Fifty-seven years later, Congress will finally be held accountable to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, requiring a minimum wage and overtime pay for congressional staff; 31 years later, Congress will at last adhere to title 7 of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; and 25 years later, Congress will comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970, making our U.S. Capitol and the House and Senate Office Buildings safer places to work and visit. There is a whole host of other laws with which Congress must now comply: the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act to name few more. Mr. Speaker, this is a sensible bill that accomplishes more than just apply all laws to Congress. While Congress still has a long, challenging journey ahead if we are to restore the public's confidence and faith in this institution, passing this congressional compliance legislation is a major step in that direction.”