[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 118 (Monday, July 15, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H5814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   STAND UP FOR HARDWORKING AMERICANS

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 582, the 
Raise the Wage Act. H.R. 582 is truly long overdue.
  Truly hardworking folks across this country, most of whom are first 
in the door and last to leave, will benefit from this strong 
legislation. Low-wage earners, manufacturing workers, healthcare 
workers, construction workers, and educators will come closer to being 
able to make ends meet.
  Middle- and working-class real wages have remained stagnant over the 
past several decades, even as the corporations and shareholders they 
labor for have seen soaring profits.
  In short, the Federal minimum wage has not increased since 2009. 
Hardworking families have not been given a fair deal and, thus, have an 
extremely tough time trying to keep up with the rising cost of living.
  Madam Speaker, I will vote yes on H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act, 
and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in 
standing up for hardworking American people.

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