[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 2, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H8872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     FIGHTING FOR WORKING AMERICANS

  (Mr. ELLISON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, Republicans are willing to shut down 
government in a battle to protect riders that hurt working-class 
Americans.
  During these budget and appropriation debates, Republicans have 
fought tooth and nail to cut investments in important programs for 
working families, yet they are willing to spend billions on tax 
expenditures for wealthy corporations.
  On top of that, Mr. Speaker, they want to add riders that gut 
consumer protections, labor rights, environmental protections, and a 
woman's right to choose.
  A recent poll found that nearly seven in ten Americans agree with the 
following statement: ``I feel angry because our political system seems 
to only be working for the insiders with money and power.''
  As Members of Congress, I urge colleagues on all sides to come 
together and heed the American people's wishes and to put their 
interests up front. We need to make sure that we can pass a budget bill 
that isn't loaded up with policy riders and more things that would 
confuse the basic issues.
  Mr. Speaker, we cannot abide proposals attacking the National Labor 
Relations Board and a worker's right to organize. We cannot abide 
efforts to undermine the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which is 
helping Americans meet their financial needs.
  Mr. Speaker, we must stand up for the American consumer. I urge all 
parties to come together to reach these important goals.

                          ____________________