[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 66 (Monday, May 13, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                WORKING FAMILIES FLEXIBILITY ACT OF 2013

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2013

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R.1406--a 
bill more appropriately titled the ``More Work, Less Pay Act.''
  My colleagues on both sides of the aisle have spoken today about the 
challenges facing working families. Far too many families are still 
struggling financially to make ends meet, and as their Representatives 
we should be voting on legislation that provides more opportunities and 
support for America's workers.
  Instead, House Republicans are wasting time on a harmful bill that 
puts us on a path to eliminating the 40 hour work week and a worker's 
right to overtime pay. This bill presents a false flexibility that 
could amount to a real pay-cut for many of our nation's hard working 
families. Under this bill, employers could cut the hours of employees 
who want overtime pay instead of comp time. And for workers who do 
choose comp time, employers could later deny or delay their requests 
for time off.
  There are bills pending in the House right now that would actually 
benefit working families. We should be voting on the Paycheck Fairness 
Act (H.R. 377) to ensure that women and men take home the same pay for 
the same jobs. The Healthy Families Act (H.R. 1286) would guarantee 
paid sick time so workers can care for themselves and their loved ones. 
And we should be raising the minimum wage to lift millions out of 
poverty and boost our economy.
  Mr. Speaker, we all want to make it easier for Americans to care for 
themselves and their families, but this bill creates more problems than 
solutions. It undermines the right of employees to be paid fairly for 
the hours they work. I urge my colleagues to vote against the bill, and 
encourage them to support bringing real family friendly legislation to 
the floor.

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