Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California.

Mr. Speaker, it has been 10 long years since Congress has raised the minimum wage. This is the longest period between raises in the minimum wage since it was enacted in 1938. The American people have spoken very clearly. It is time to raise the wages of our lowest-paid workers.

Our families have been squeezed: an increase at the gas pump, an increase at the grocery store, an increase in

health care and an increase in childcare. It is time that we give back. As a part of Congress, we should be an example. We shouldn't always be following our States, as my great State of North Carolina has increased the minimum wage. We should be leading by example.

That is why it gives me great privilege to support this bill. It is our moral commitment to the families of this country, and that is why I strongly support this measure.

Mr. Speaker, the times of reckless and unchecked spending in Congress are over. With my fellow Blue Dogs, we are cutting our Nation's credit card. It is time to have a commonsense budget, just like our families, and just as we do in business, have a commonsense approach of budgeting.

Congress followed these rules in the 1990s. George H.W. Bush signed on, and in 2 years we saw a record budget surplus. Unfortunately, Congress has abandoned these rules and started financing spending increases with borrowing money from China.

China's share of the U.S. debt has grown faster than any other nation, from $61.5 billion in 2001 to $165 billion in 2004. We cannot borrow ourselves out of debt.

This is an important first step of implementation of a statutory PAYGO. Congress should be able to justify every line item of every spending bill to the American people. This should be supported by all Members for the future of our children and grandchildren.

This rules package also prevents inserting earmarks into bills in conference, and requires that all Members be given time to examine all bills before voting on them.