[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E863-E864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE PATRIOT CORPORATIONS OF AMERICA ACT: INVESTING IN AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2009

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, today we find ourselves in the grips of 
recession. As of is morning there were 5.7 million Americans without a 
job and we should be doing everything in our power to save jobs--and 
create new ones.
  Today, I am introducing the Patriot Corporations of America Act, 
which encourages corporations to invest in the American people and the 
American economy. In this time of change we should lift the spirit of 
patriotism and create a new corporate ethic in America--one that unites 
workers and their employers in the mutual goal of building a stronger, 
more prosperous business that will contribute to a stronger, more 
prosperous America.
  Since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, we have 
benefited from the great work and contributions of countless American 
patriots and Congress has always undertaken efforts to honor those men 
and women. The Patriot Corporations of America Act continues that 
tradition by rewarding companies that commit to America and American 
workers.
  It angers Americans, and it angers me, when companies outsource jobs 
and relocate to avoid giving back to the country that afforded them the 
opportunity to succeed. Companies that continue to send American jobs 
abroad during these difficult times should not receive the same 
benefits as companies who are keeping jobs right here. It is time for 
the United States to reward companies that show a dedication to the 
American workforce.
  The Patriot Corporation Act will move us along the path to recovery, 
while simultaneously giving a hand-up to ``patriotic'' companies that 
are struggling in the midst of a recession.
  Bill Edley, a former State Representative in Illinois, and political 
scientist Robin Johnson of Monmouth College, introduced a new idea of 
turning the tables around with the Patriot Corporations of America Act. 
It would reward companies, like New Maryland Clothing and Tama 
Manufacturing, that care about our Nation, our communities, and 
American workers. I am honored to be introducing this commonsense 
concept in the form of legislation in the U.S. House of 
Representatives.
  In exchange for preferential treatment in government contracting and 
a 5% tax rate reduction, Patriot Corporations would be asked to pledge 
their allegiance to our country by producing at least 90% of their 
goods and doing at least 50% of their research and development in the 
United States. They would limit top managements' compensation to no 
greater than 100 times that of their lowest-compensated full-time 
workers. They would show their commitment to their workers by 
contributing at least 5% of payroll to portable pension funds and by 
paying for at least 70% of the cost of health insurance plans. Finally, 
Patriot Corporations would simply be required to comply with existing 
federal regulations regarding the environment, workplace safety, 
consumer protections and labor relations, including maintaining 
neutrality in employee organizing drives.
  Mr. Speaker, the Patriot Corporations for America Act would be 
revenue neutral. It would be paid for by closing corporate offshoring 
loopholes that have been exploited and, if necessary, reining in some 
of the new tax breaks for millionaires.
  Patriot Corporations would create a new class of companies committed 
to uphold the dignity and prosperity of American workers as well as to 
selling their goods on the American market and around the world.
  Patriot Corporations are an expression of the American spirit of our 
fore fathers and mothers when they took that brave step of declaring 
our independence and creating the United States of America.
  I'm confident that between the Recovery Act and legislation like the 
Patriots Corporation Act--America will emerge stronger from this 
recession.
  I am honored to be introducing this bill today and I encourage my 
colleagues to join me in saluting American businesses and workers.

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