Rep. Fudge: We Should Be Fighting for a Living Wage

 

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) delivered remarks on the House Floor in opposition to H.R. 3441, House Republicans’ latest attack on American workers and small businesses. Below is a transcript of her remarks and a link to the video:

Click here to watch the video.

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3441, the Save Local Business Act, would fundamentally redefine the relationship between employers and employees.

“Corporate profits and income inequality are at an all-time high, yet we are debating a bill that would strip workers of their right to hold employers accountable.  Allowing corporations to further stifle wage growth and undermine collective bargaining.

“This is yet another Republican attempt to make the rich richer and the working people poorer; just like their tax bill. What we should be fighting for is a living wage and employee rights.

“My Republican colleagues say the law is ambiguous and we must act to save small businesses. The law is not ambiguous.  They just don’t like it because it holds businesses responsible and forces them to bargain with unions. This bill is an assault on workers.

“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a letter from the Economic Policy Institute outlining how H.R. 3441 will ensure small businesses are left with sole responsibility for business practices often dictated by large corporations. In addition, a letter from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters opposing this bill in support of workers protections.

“I urge my colleagues to vote NO on H.R. 3441.  Let’s get back to fighting for the people we were sent here to serve. I yield back.”

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