[Page H929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




AMERICAN WORKERS ARE THE LIVING FABRIC AND BACKBONE OF OUR COUNTRY AND 
                                ECONOMY

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, today's passage of the Protecting the Right 
to Organize Act is a major victory for the American worker.
  Nationwide, millions of Americans work full-time jobs yet earn 
unsustainable wages and little to no benefits. Too many people work 
multiple jobs yet struggle to make ends meet while they watch the stock 
market and their executives, who, together, make millions upon 
millions.
  But by restoring balance to the gutted National Labor Relations Act, 
the PRO Act will restore the collective voice and dignity of American 
workers from all backgrounds, no matter the color of their collar.
  The PRO Act includes meaningful, enforceable penalties for union-
busting companies and executives. It restores workers' ability to stand 
together by weakening States' antilabor right-to-work laws and closes 
loopholes that corporations use to exploit workers. Most importantly, 
it strengthens workers' right to free and fair union elections and 
requires corporations to respect the results.
  American workers are the living fabric and backbone of our country 
and economy and the future of our prosperity. They deserve the power to 
stand together and advocate for themselves. The PRO Act is the pathway 
to that power.

                          ____________________