[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 4, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H7784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING THE AMERICAN WORKER

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
American worker. Yesterday, our Nation observed Labor Day, which was 
established in the late 19th century as a way to honor the workers who 
contribute to the wealth and prosperity of this great Nation.
  The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was one of the first eight States in 
the Union to recognize the holiday in the late 1880s.
  In 1894, President Grover Cleveland declared Labor Day a Federal 
holiday. While many today consider Labor Day a time to celebrate the 
end of summer and beginning of fall, it is more than just a three-day 
weekend. Labor Day honors the American worker and the power of work. It 
highlights that through hard work, risk, discipline, and opportunity, 
we can all achieve the American Dream.
  And more Americans will join the workforce thanks to my bill that was 
signed into law this summer that increases funding for career and 
technical education programs. This law will work to restore rungs on 
the ladder of opportunity for every American regardless of age or 
background, and that is something we can all celebrate.

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