WASSERMAN SCHULTZ REMARKS ON LIVABLE WAGE AMENDMENT

· Mr. Chairman I have an amendment at the desk.

· I ask Unanimous Consent to dispense with the reading. 
· In my opening statement I highlighted this bill’s ability to change lives. This amendment is our chance to do exactly that, by standing up for the workers in the House and Senate cafeterias – people we work with and see every day. 
· There was a story last week highlighting the plight of a Senate cafeteria worker, Charles Gladden, who is homeless. 
· This amendment will help the cafeteria workers we love interacting with every day, so they can avoid the difficult burden Mr. Gladden carries. 
· His story has inspired us, but we all want to ensure none of our workers are forced to live on the street because the most powerful legislative body in the world doesn’t ensure they can make a wage that can sustain them with basic needs that all human beings need and deserve.

 

· I hope the Senate is successful in their effort to change their contract workers’ wages, and we must act as well.  

 

· The House needs to act now to ensure we set an example for how employers treat their workers, this includes our contractors.  
· This amendment calls on the next food service contractor selected by the Chief Administrative Officer to provide a livable wage to its employees. 
· The amendment sets no amount but requires the contractor to use local economic indices to establish these wages.
· Mr. Gladden, the Senate cafeteria employee reported he made $11 an hour. He is a single man and he is struggling due to medical issues and family requirements.

 

· Can you imagine how people with small children are making it on $11 an hour in Washington, DC
· Mr. Gladden’s situation is an embarrassment to this entire Congress, and is one that should compel all of us to act.
· I’m asking us to send a message – To do business with the House; you have to take care of your employees and pay them a wage that allows for a roof over their heads and food on their tables. Not a lot to ask from the symbol of the success of democracy across the globe.
· I ask for your support of my amendment.