[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 23]
[House]
[Pages 32181-32182]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HOUSE DEMOCRATS FIGHTING FOR MIDDLE-CLASS FAMILIES IN AN UNCERTAIN 
                                ECONOMY

  (Mr. CARDOZA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, with home values dropping and the cost of 
health care, home heating oil and college education continuing to rise,

[[Page 32182]]

American families are justifiably uneasy about their ability to make 
ends meet in a declining economy.
  The Democratic Congress has made protecting middle-class families its 
highest priority. Over the course of this year, we have passed billions 
in tax relief for American small businesses, increased the minimum wage 
for the first time in a decade, passed legislation that cuts taxes for 
middle-class families and given families the most financial assistance 
for college since the GI Bill.
  The New Direction Congress is also working to reach bipartisan 
agreements to address the subprime loan crisis and predatory loan 
practices that are threatening to force thousands of American families 
from their homes. Today, we will bring a comprehensive energy bill to 
the floor that will provide some much-needed relief at the gas pump as 
well.
  Madam Speaker, the needs and concerns of our Nation's working 
families remain one of this Congress' top priorities.

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