May 5, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, delivered the following statement as prepared for delivery at a hearing entitled, “Transparency and Funding of State and Local Pension Plans”:

“This morning, we’ve gathered once again to watch the Republicans attack the middle class and watch them ignore the problem of jobs in this country. We’re watching the Republicans attack kids trying to get an education, workers and women just about every morning these days.

“Today, though, there’s a bit of a twist: this Subcommittee has no jurisdiction over any law being discussed – the Republicans just had to find a place where they could attack unions. So, here we are, sitting here while the Republicans cynically abuse the Committee process to beat up on the working people of this country.

“If the public wonders why our politics are polarized, it’s because of all of the incremental steps of abuse – this hearing is a great example.

“Today, the Republicans are once again not focusing on jobs, but rather going after their political enemies. And, once again it’s their regular whipping boy: unions.

“Unions built this country. They built our highways, our ports, and our schools. Unions created fairness in this country – 8-hour work days, safe work conditions, health care, and a little money for when folks retire. It’s the workers who built this country – not the robber barons. And, union workers are under attack because they haven’t gotten poor enough – they’re under attack because they haven’t given up.

“After two decades – the 80s and then the 2000s – where Republican policies led to huge deficits, transferring most of the wealth of this country to the top 5% of the population, you’d think they’d be satisfied. But they’re not. Instead, Republicans are attacking the pensions of policemen, firefighters, teachers, and sanitation workers.

“Let’s be clear: there is no problem with most state-run pensions. There is no federal role in state-run pensions. The states don’t want the Republicans to use their pension programs as a political weapon.

“However, today the Republicans are using this Subcommittee as a political tool to attack the middle-class workers who teach the children of wealthy people, and the cops and firefighters who keep them safe, and the workers who pick their trash.

“There is no pension problem, but the Republicans want to attack unions. So, here we are, and frankly, it’s a sad day.”

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Follow McDermott on Twitter: @RepJimMcDermott.