[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 90 (Wednesday, July 12, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H5051]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              MINIMUM WAGE

  (Mr. McGOVERN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, over the past decade, the cost of living 
in our Nation has risen sharply and continues to grow. Gas prices have 
doubled, college costs are up by 38 percent, fuel prices up 20, housing 
costs another 25 percent, and health care costs are up a whopping 75 
percent, yet the millions of Americans who work full time struggling to 
support their families have just been dealt another blow.
  Last month, the Republicans in this body defeated a measure to raise 
the minimum wage, which has not been increased in an appalling 9 years. 
Instead of voting with Democrats to give a much needed pay raise to 
these workers, Republicans once again turned their backs on more than 6 
million workers. You didn't see Republicans turning their backs on the 
wealthiest few last month when they repealed the estate tax that only 
impacts our Nation's wealthiest families.
  Mr. Speaker, it isn't too late for House Republicans to change their 
minds. Today, we will have another vote here on the House floor to give 
these hardworking Americans a much deserved raise. House Republicans 
know that the minimum wage is at its lowest level in 50 years. Today, 
we will see if Republicans are interested in expanding economic 
opportunity to all.

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