House Committee on Education and Labor
U.S. House of Representatives
Republicans
Rep. Howard P. “Buck†McKeon
Ranking Member
Fiscally responsible reforms for students, workers and retirees.
NEWSROOM
Press Release
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CONTACT: Alexa Marrero |
Democrats Hold Wage Hearing that Ignores Wage Squeeze Caused by High Gas Prices
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Demonstrating just how out of touch they are with the concerns of hardworking American families, Democrats on the House Education and Labor Committee today convened a hearing to examine workers’ wages while continuing to ignore the greatest financial burden on many working families, the rising cost of gas.
“Americans are paying $4.11 per gallon. It’s time for this Congress to stop ignoring the economic 800 pound gorilla in the room and finally take action to put America on the path to economic recovery through energy independence,” said Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), the panel’s senior Republican. “Workers’ wages are being stretched thinner every day because of the failure to bring down high gas prices. It’s time for action.”
The committee’s hearing today examined efforts by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division to enforce federal labor laws. Although the hearing was billed as an effort to address the wage concerns of American workers, and particularly low-wage workers, Democrats did not invite a single witness to examine how rising energy costs are impacting wage purchasing power, despite the fact that high gas prices are a major challenge for working families and small businesses.
“Republicans have outlined an all-of-the-above energy reform plan that will increase the supply of American-made energy, promote the development of alternative fuel sources, and encourage greater conservation,” said McKeon. “I can think of no better time than during a hearing on workers’ wages to discuss how we can strengthen purchasing power by finally taking real action to bring down gas prices. Unfortunately, on that issue, Democrats have refused to stand up for workers.”
“Until Democrats join us in committing to a comprehensive energy reform plan that will bring down prices for America’s workers, families, and communities, Republicans will continue to shine a spotlight on their dismal record when it comes to energy reform,” said McKeon.
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