New Overtime Pay Protections for American Workers

American workers have been extremely productive for decades, while seeing little to no raise in pay. In the richest country in the world, at our richest moment, we should make sure workers get the pay they have earned. That includes overtime pay for those who work more than 40 hours a week.

In January, I joined with House Democrats in sending a letter to the President to urge an update of overtime regulations. Today, only eight percent of all workers are guaranteed overtime, and millions who are struggling to meet their families' needs are denied that protection. I applaud the Obama Administration for hearing us out and listening to the concerns of hardworking Americans. This new proposed rule would ensure up to five million more workers will be able to earn overtime pay, starting in 2016.

This would not have been possible without the hard work and advocacy of American workers, including those in unions, who spoke up and demanded to be paid fairly. Their work has made our country stronger, and their advocacy has been instrumental in getting to today's announcement.

The fight for fair wages is far from over. We have already heard opposition from some Congressional Republicans who want to block this common-sense measure to expand overtime pay for hardworking families. I will work hard to make sure that the proposed rule goes into effect.