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“RECOGNIZING LABOR DAY AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AMERICAN WORKERS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1539-E1540 on Sept. 6, 2011.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING LABOR DAY AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AMERICAN WORKERS
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HON. LAURA RICHARDSON
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, Labor Day is a holiday which recognizes the economic and social achievements of American workers. Today, we celebrate the hard-working men and women who have raised this country to unprecedented levels of productivity and prosperity not seen in any other country around the globe.
While we take a day to celebrate the history of American workers, we must also take a moment to reflect on their present struggles. Millions of Americans who helped to grow our nation to the way it is today are now unemployed, and millions more are fighting to get through a grueling economic recession.
After the first Labor Day occurred in New York City, celebrations spread to other states as workers fought to win better working conditions and wages at a time when they had little power. Today, we stand by those who fought for their rights, because they fought for us; our families and our children. And we are united in our resolve to preserve the American Dream and to ensure the continuing validity of the promise that anyone willing to work hard and play by the rules can make it in America.
But to Democrats, ``Make It In America'' isn't just a dream--but a plan to help make dreams come true. It's a plan to create jobs and restore economic growth by promoting an encouraging environment for businesses to innovate and make products here in the United States.
While we are still waiting on Republicans to put forward a true, comprehensive jobs plan, we stand ready to revitalize American industries and innovation and help to put more Americans back to work. I urge my colleagues to stand with me and support this plan to create well-paying, middle class jobs and help ensure more families can make it in America.
Mr. Speaker, Labor Day signifies the end of the summer and the beginning of a new fall season. Schools are back in session, and many Americans return from their end-of-summer vacations. Well, I say it's about time that Republicans returned from their 244-day vacation of failing to put forth any job creating legislation, and join Democrats to enact our bipartisan solutions and the ``Make It In America'' initiative.
Under this plan, we can rebuild our infrastructure, invest in innovation and clean energy, and level the playing field for American businesses and workers by demanding that our trading partners, including China, play fairly in global trade.
Later this week, President Obama will address a joint session of Congress and unveil his plan to create jobs for the millions of persons who desperately want to work and provide for their families. In addition to the Make it in America agenda, Democrats in Congress have long been promoting an agenda focusing on jobs for the American worker.
Take for instance transportation infrastructure projects with the potential to employ millions and facilitate trade across the Nation. We must pass a clean extension of the Surface Transportation Act and the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act; both are set to expire at the end of this month. These transportation programs provide funding for highway construction, mass transit systems, transportation projects and bridge repair.
If Congress does not act, the laws will expire and these programs will be shut down. Almost one million construction and other workers will lose their jobs over the course of the year. In addition, if the extension is delayed over 4,000 professionals in the Department of Transportation will be immediately furloughed without pay.
Passing a fully funded Surface Transportation bill is an essential step in protecting nearly a million American jobs and creating new opportunities for workers across the Nation. Transportation infrastructure is one of the most effective ways to stimulate the economy and reduce unemployment. Studies suggest that for every $1 billion spent on transportation projects, more than 35,000 jobs are created.
Our number one goal should be putting Americans back to work. Congress needs to work together to create jobs, strengthen the economy, and help small business owners hire workers.
Labor Day is a time to honor a movement that respects the dignity of work and reflects the decency and dedication of our workers. Let us honor the story of the American workers who built this country, who created this dream by protecting and promoting what matters to them the most--their jobs.
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