The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“H.J. RES. 88” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1057 on July 7, 2016.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
H.J. RES. 88
______
HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI
of oregon
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my opposition to H.J. Res. 88, a misguided attempt to prevent the implementation of the Department of Labor's Conflict of Interest rule that will safeguard Americans by making sure financial advisors are acting in the best interest of their clients. Too many people in Oregon and across our country are struggling to get by. I know the sacrifice that is involved in each and every dollar they set aside to contribute to their retirement.
The Department of Labor didn't rush this rule. They took time, listened to perspectives from the industry as well as consumer protection groups, considered thousands of comments, and made thoughtful changes to make sure the conflict of interest rule is workable. That's a good thing. Retirement products are complex, and our constituents should be able to rely on the advice of professionals and be confident that those advisors are doing what's best for the retiree.
Instead of voting to eliminate the rule, Congress should be focused on the challenges working families have balancing their responsibilities at home and in the workplace.
That is what my home state of Oregon is doing.
In January, employees in Oregon started earning sick days they can use when they get sick, or to care for a sick child or family member. They can access sick time for preventive health care, or in cases of domestic violence.
About half a million workers benefit from this law, helping make Oregon a better place to live, work, and thrive. Workers shouldn't have to choose between paying their rent or taking care of themselves or loved ones.
Stories and personal experiences demonstrate the importance of paid sick days. I would like to tell the story of Erin, who lives in Portland, Oregon. To make ends meet, Erin works 75 hours a week at two part-time jobs as a seamstress. She said, ``Before the law passed, if I missed one day of work I wouldn't get paid and I couldn't afford to pay my bills. Recently, I woke up barely able to move and was in so much pain that I knew I needed help and couldn't go to work. After a few minutes of stress and panic I realized that I had paid sick days. I called in and was able to stay home to get the care I needed to recover. It's a great relief to be able to have the safety net of paid sick days. I know that I don't have to make myself even sicker and feel worse just because I will miss out on my next paycheck. I'm so grateful for sick days because I live paycheck-to-paycheck and no longer have to worry about my finances when I am sick for a day or two.''
It's time our workplace practices address the needs of our workforce. Oregon took a step toward leveling the playing field--
especially for low-wage workers--to allow them to care for themselves and their families.
In Congress, we should pass the Healthy Families Act so workers across the country have the same opportunities as Oregonians like Erin. That is where Congress should be focused, not trying to dismantle important consumer protections for American's retirement savings.
Mr. Speaker, I voted against H.J. Res. 88 and will continue to support the implementation of this rule.
____________________
