[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 130 (Tuesday, September 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1539-E1540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING LABOR DAY AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AMERICAN WORKERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2011

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, Labor Day is a holiday which recognizes 
the economic and social achievements of American workers. Today, we 
celebrate the hard-working men and women who have raised this country 
to unprecedented levels of productivity and prosperity not seen in any 
other country around the globe.
  While we take a day to celebrate the history of American workers, we 
must also take a moment to reflect on their present struggles. Millions 
of Americans who helped to grow our nation to the way it is today are 
now unemployed, and millions more are fighting to get through a 
grueling economic recession.
  After the first Labor Day occurred in New York City, celebrations 
spread to other states as workers fought to win better working 
conditions and wages at a time when they had little power. Today, we 
stand by those who fought for their rights, because they fought for us; 
our families and our children. And we are united in our resolve to 
preserve the American Dream and to ensure the continuing validity of 
the promise that anyone willing to work hard and play by the rules can 
make it in America.
  But to Democrats, ``Make It In America'' isn't just a dream--but a 
plan to help make dreams come true. It's a plan to create jobs and 
restore economic growth by promoting an encouraging environment for 
businesses to innovate and make products here in the United States.
  While we are still waiting on Republicans to put forward a true, 
comprehensive jobs plan, we stand ready to revitalize American 
industries and innovation and help to put more Americans back to work. 
I urge my colleagues to stand with me and support this plan to create 
well-paying, middle class jobs and help ensure more families can make 
it in America.

[[Page E1540]]

  Mr. Speaker, Labor Day signifies the end of the summer and the 
beginning of a new fall season. Schools are back in session, and many 
Americans return from their end-of-summer vacations. Well, I say it's 
about time that Republicans returned from their 244-day vacation of 
failing to put forth any job creating legislation, and join Democrats 
to enact our bipartisan solutions and the ``Make It In America'' 
initiative.
  Under this plan, we can rebuild our infrastructure, invest in 
innovation and clean energy, and level the playing field for American 
businesses and workers by demanding that our trading partners, 
including China, play fairly in global trade.
  Later this week, President Obama will address a joint session of 
Congress and unveil his plan to create jobs for the millions of persons 
who desperately want to work and provide for their families. In 
addition to the Make it in America agenda, Democrats in Congress have 
long been promoting an agenda focusing on jobs for the American worker.
  Take for instance transportation infrastructure projects with the 
potential to employ millions and facilitate trade across the Nation. We 
must pass a clean extension of the Surface Transportation Act and the 
Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act; both are set to 
expire at the end of this month. These transportation programs provide 
funding for highway construction, mass transit systems, transportation 
projects and bridge repair.
  If Congress does not act, the laws will expire and these programs 
will be shut down. Almost one million construction and other workers 
will lose their jobs over the course of the year. In addition, if the 
extension is delayed over 4,000 professionals in the Department of 
Transportation will be immediately furloughed without pay.
  Passing a fully funded Surface Transportation bill is an essential 
step in protecting nearly a million American jobs and creating new 
opportunities for workers across the Nation. Transportation 
infrastructure is one of the most effective ways to stimulate the 
economy and reduce unemployment. Studies suggest that for every $1 
billion spent on transportation projects, more than 35,000 jobs are 
created.
  Our number one goal should be putting Americans back to work. 
Congress needs to work together to create jobs, strengthen the economy, 
and help small business owners hire workers.
  Labor Day is a time to honor a movement that respects the dignity of 
work and reflects the decency and dedication of our workers. Let us 
honor the story of the American workers who built this country, who 
created this dream by protecting and promoting what matters to them the 
most--their jobs.

                          ____________________