[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 26 (Thursday, March 9, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AT A TIME OF EXTRAORDINARY PROSPERITY, THE MINIMUM WAGE SHOULD BE 
                               INCREASED

  (Ms. DeLAURO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, today we have an opportunity to vote on a 
measure that will truly make a difference in the lives of all Americans 
and that is an increase in the minimum wage. At this time of 
extraordinary prosperity, hard-working Americans deserve to have a much 
needed raise, to bring the minimum wage closer to a living standard.
  Unfortunately, once again, the Republican leadership is attempting to 
delay, to derail this meaningful legislation. I call upon that 
leadership to end their delay tactics and allow a fair vote on this 
bill. This increase in the minimum wage should not be tied to an 
irresponsible $120 billion tax package that will benefit only the 
richest of the rich, the super rich. Instead, we should be voting for 
an alternative which would provide a much needed increase in minimum 
wage and responsible tax relief for small businesses.
  It is time for us to do the right thing. It is time for us to raise 
that minimum wage fifty cents this year, fifty cents next year from 
$5.15 to $6.15. We send a message if we do that, that we honor their 
hard work, commitment and dedication.

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