Bob Wise: “the year before, I might point out, it was Democrats, without one vote from this side of the aisle, Mr. Speaker, that…”

“the year before, I might point out, it was Democrats, without one vote from this side of the aisle, Mr. Speaker, that successfully gave a tax cut to people under $26,000 a year, working people, and that was in lieu of the minimum wage. No support from that side. But this is interesting that it is on the Utah Wilderness bill, this is the only way we can get it up. It is fitting, in a way. Moses wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. The minimum wage is at an all-time 40-year buying low, and indeed five good Republicans--that is all it takes now--five members of the Republican party adding their votes to ours, will pass a minimum wage increase. That is all that is needed, Mr. Speaker, for coming out of the wilderness is five more Republicans. We have been gaining and gaining and gaining. Our colleagues cannot hide anymore behind 'We will get a vote next week or the week after that or whenever.' This thing has been wandering in the wilderness for too long. It is time to bring it out. Democrats have reduced the tax burden on working people progressively through the earned income tax credit. Ironically, the other side now wants to repeal part of that. But it is time to give working people a livable wage.”