Frederica Wilson

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 604.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of U.S. Army Sergeant La David T. Johnson, who was killed in Niger, West Africa, during an ambush carried out by Boko Haram and other extremists linked to ISIS. This tragic loss of a life, still so young and so full of promise and potential, is one of the saddest ironies that I could ever imagine. Sergeant Johnson was just 25 years old, the father of two children, and a beloved member of the Miami Gardens community in which I reside. He and his two younger brothers, Keon and Richard, are proud members of the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Project, an in-school dropout prevention program that I created soon after Sergeant Johnson was born, to ensure that he and other boys and young women of color have unfettered access to roads to success. Five thousand Role Models members all over the world are mourning his death. Sergeant Johnson is married to Myeshia Johnson and has two children, and Myeshia is expecting their third child. I sprung into action after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in their boarding school in Nigeria. I traveled to Nigeria four times in my quest, and I have initiated the ``Bring Back Our Girls Wear Red Wednesdays'' in the Congress of the United States. I appreciate the support, especially from our leader, Nancy Pelosi. I traveled there in August and met over 100 girls who were once hostages of Boko Haram. I wanted them to know that this Congress loves them and we will never, ever forget them. Boko Haram actually means ``Western education is a sin.'' They believe girls should be denied the privilege of an education, and they have killed more people than ISIS. In fact, they have joined forces with ISIS in the region and have killed over 20,000 Africans, sexually abused women and girls, and sends them on suicide missions using babies as decoys. More than 1 million people have been displaced from their homes and are starving to death. What a tragedy. It would be an even greater tragedy to allow the deaths of Sergeant Johnson and his comrades--Staff Sergeant Bryan C. Black, 35, from Washington; Staff Sergeant Jeremiah W. Johnson, 39, from Ohio; and Staff Sergeant Dustin M. Wright, 29, from Georgia--be in vain. Nearly a year ago, this Chamber voted unanimously for legislation that Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine and I introduced that directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence to jointly develop a 5-year strategy to end Boko Haram's reign of terror. The law also calls for a plan to assist the Nigerian Government, the Multinational Joint Task Force, and international partners in their efforts to counter this regional threat. Our soldiers were not there to fight but to provide training and assistance to the Nigerian Army forces and the multinational joint task force created to combat Boko Haram. Yes, my heart breaks for this monumental loss, but it is also bursting with pride for all that he achieved and would have accomplished. During the few years in which he bravely served our Nation, he received several awards and accolades, including the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and, ironically, the Global War on Terrorism Medal. Boko Haram is a threat to the many nations across the globe that, like the United States, have committed monetary and human resources to help defeat this terrorist group, and we must never ever forget that this heinous organization's daily list of casualties could include one or more of our own, like Sergeant Johnson, Staff Sergeant Black, Staff Sergeant Jeremiah Johnson, and Staff Sergeant Wright. May they rest in peace.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on July 14, 2017, I mistakenly voted ``no'' on Roll Call 375, the Hunter-Wilson amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. I cosponsored this amendment and intended to vote ``yes.''

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Chairman, today, I join with my colleague and friend, Representative Duncan Hunter, in offering an amendment to the maritime administration title in the NDAA. The cruise industry, which is a vital source of economic opportunity for my constituents, has come to me with concerns about lawsuits it says are clogging U.S. courts and making it more difficult to conduct business and create opportunities in my district and elsewhere. I take these concerns seriously and want to help address them, but I also want to make sure that they are protecting workers and that we don't shut off opportunities for them to be fairly compensated if they become ill or injured in the course of their employment. The Hunter-Wilson amendment is intended to do just that. It safeguards U.S. courts against further crowding of court dockets, while not denying foreign crewmembers remedies. This provision has been passed in the House five times in the past 3 years, and most recently, the Senate Commerce Committee included it in the maritime administration title of the Defense Authorization bill for FY 2017. I want to thank Chairman Hunter and Chairman Shuster for their work on this amendment. I urge my colleagues to support the Hunter-Wilson amendment.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on the night of April 14, 2014, Boko Haram kidnapped 276 girls from the Chibok Government Girls Secondary School in Nigeria, a night we all remember. Although some girls fled or have been released, more than 100 Chibok girls remain in captivity today with Boko Haram, the deadliest terrorist organization in the world. Last year, Congress unanimously passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Senator Susan Collins and myself to require a 5-year strategy to conquer Boko Haram. Last night, an amendment to solidify the bill and add a sense of Congress that expresses our support for the kidnapped schoolgirls and the United States strategy for countering Boko Haram was passed in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. I thank Armed Services Committee Chairman Thornberry, Ranking Member Smith, Rules Committee Chairman Sessions, Ranking Member Slaughter, and Congressman Alcee Hastings. We will continue to fight against Boko Haram and their vicious and cruel tactics against the Nigerian people. We will continue to wear red every Wednesday until all of our girls are released. Remember to tweet, tweet, tweet, #bringbackourgirls.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to welcome the esteemed Reverend Dr. Howard Siplin to the House floor as our guest chaplain. Reverend Dr. Siplin was my classmate from first grade to twelfth grade in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Reverend Siplin is the senior pastor of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church located in Coconut Grove, Florida. Before joining the ministry, Reverend Siplin proudly served in law enforcement. He is a graduate of the Miami-Dade Police Academy who made history by earning the distinction of becoming the first African American to serve as president of the Fraternal Order of Police. Three years ago, after joining Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend Siplin was ordained a deacon and later became chairman of the church's deacon ministry. He was called to preach in the year 2000 and, in August 2003, was ordained and installed to serve as the church's pastor. Under his leadership, Beulah Missionary Baptist has helped the surrounding community confront and combat various challenges. He also has used his experience in law enforcement to help forge and strengthen bonds between residents and local police. Reverend Siplin has dedicated himself to educating members of the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church community to live spiritual lives so that they can be productive citizens. He holds a bachelor's and master's of ministry degree from the Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2014, the seminary awarded him an honorary doctorate degree. Reverend Siplin is married to the former Zelma Ferguson who is with him here today. Her father, the late Reverend E. R. Ferguson, founded Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in 1954. They are the proud parents of 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone to join me in thanking Reverend Siplin for leading today's opening prayer and to thank him for his outstanding service to the south Florida community.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am a strong supporter of career and technical education. While this bipartisan bill makes needed improvements to current law, during the committee markup I offered and later withdrew an amendment to provide more Federal support for skill development and training programs for ex-offenders who need a second chance and opportunity. Ex-offenders, who are disproportionately young men of color due to the bias in the criminal justice system, face numerous hurdles when they try to reintegrate into society after serving their time. Finding a decent job is a necessary first step towards developing self-esteem and self-sufficiency. Unfortunately, and too often, a prior criminal history is a barrier to ex-offenders seeking employment. I withdrew my amendment because of the important work. Nevertheless, it is my view that my amendment should be considered as this bill advances to future conference consideration. Let's help stop recidivism for this special population.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that the House today will vote to pass a bipartisan reauthorization of H.R. 1809, the Juvenile Justice Reform Act. I strongly believe that this measure will not only help our Nation's at-risk youth, but it will also vastly improve the juvenile justice system in each State. One area I was particularly interested in addressing in this bill is finding ways in which State-based practices that have been developed to end the school-to-prison pipeline can be expanded. I strongly believe that youth-based mentoring programs are key to achieving this goal. For that reason, I added language to the bill that expands the definition of juvenile delinquency programs to include youth mentoring programs so those programs will have greater access to Federal grant funding. One of my life's missions has been to help build a permanent roadblock on the destructive and demoralizing path that has entrapped so many boys and young men of color and other at-risk youth. In fact, there are 50 ninth grade boys from the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project visiting Washington today. If you see them in their red ties, give them a hug and tell them you love them. My experience as a teacher and principal has taught me the very real benefits of reaching children as early as possible and how, with proper encouragement, support, and resources, young lives can be transformed so that they will make positive and productive choices. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues on the Committee on Education and the Workforce for working very closely together in a bipartisan manner to vote to reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. I think we can all agree that this bill's passage will go a long way toward assisting at-risk youth by giving them a second chance at success as well as opportunities to be able to learn from their mistakes and move beyond those mistakes to get an education, build a successful career, and contribute to society. I especially commend Chairman Foxx and Ranking Member Scott, who I know care so much about this issue. I also applaud Representative Jason Lewis of Minnesota for his spirit. I encourage a ``yes'' vote on this bill.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, tomorrow 50 Miami-Dade County ninth grade boys from various chapters of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project will visit Washington, D.C. They are all college- bound and have earned the promise of a 4-year scholarship from the program. 5000 Role Models is an in-school dropout prevention program that will turn 25 years old in January 2018. There are 6,000 participants in Miami-Dade County, 3,000 in St. Petersburg, and 2,000 in Jacksonville school districts. The program's goal is to mentor minority boys beginning in elementary school, middle school, and high school, all the while guiding them along a carefully charted path to manhood and sending them to college. Madam Speaker, in this season of youth violence, during which boys get entangled in the school-to-prison pipeline, we are proud of the project and the tens of thousands of boys it has helped to become successful, contributing men in society. For example, Barry Jenkins, director of the Oscar-winning film ``Moonlight,'' is a 1998 graduate of the program. I look forward to welcoming these young men here tomorrow and hope you will get a chance to meet them, also. If you do, give them a hug and tell them that you love them.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 265. Stated against:

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on May 6, Nigerian Government officials announced the release of 82 Chibok schoolgirls who have been held captive by Boko Haram since April 20, 2014. I couldn't believe it. It is truly, truly a reason for celebration, and I thank each and every Member of this House who has shown support for this extremely endless cause. Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled for the families whose daughters were among the 82 released, but we cannot forget that there are still 113 waiting to be freed. Nigerian President Buhari has vowed to bring them all home. When we began this fight, the lives of more than 200 girls were at stake. Slowly but surely, we are making progress. The release of the 82 underscores why we cannot give up. We have to keep pushing and pressing, doing everything we can to ensure that this fight doesn't end until the last girl has returned home. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is Wear Something Red Wednesday, and I hope that this news will compel every Member of Congress to wear something red and show his or her support for the #bringbackourgirls movement. Women of Congress, wear your red scarf, a gift for Valentine's Day from Congresswoman Dingell. Men of Congress, wear a red tie, Republicans and Democrats, and tweet, tweet, tweet.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by asking my Republican colleagues one simple question: Don't you have constituents who get sick and need insurance? Everyone gets sick, rich and poor, Black and White, men, women, and children. Having insurance gives us peace of mind. It helps ensure that a medical crisis is not exacerbated by a financial crisis. It often makes a difference between life and death. If the Affordable Care Act is repealed, your constituents and millions of people will be kicked off the insurance roll, and that is a shame. They will suffer, and their families will suffer. I have health insurance, and so does every Member of Congress. We even have a clinic and doctors at our disposal right here in this Capitol. Doesn't every American deserve the same treatment as Members of Congress? Instead of moving backwards, Republicans should partner with Democrats to amend and strengthen the existing law. By working together, we can create a plan that works for all Americans, not just the Members of Congress. Vote ``no.'' Vote ``no.''

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 162.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 140.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 83.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, as the House begins consideration of H.R. 7, I rise in solidarity with the women of the world. I rise in outrage at yet another attempt to control our bodies and our access to quality care. Madam Speaker, it is my body. It doesn't belong to this House. I alone bear the burden, pain, and joy that it brings. Please stop trying to regulate my reproductive organs. They belong to me. Have you ever had a menstrual period? Have you ever felt the unbearable pain in every bone of your body during childbirth? Madam Speaker, there are millions of mothers living in inadequate public housing and trailer parks, raising their children alone. And we are here to consider anti-choice bills that restrict access to women's care? If the Republican House passes H.R. 7, will it support universal pre- K and Head Start? Will this House reform foster care and stop greasing the prison pipeline with unwanted children? It seems to me that this Republican House cares about babies right up until the minute they are born into the world, and then they disappear and desert the children forever. It is time to stop the cradle-to-grave neglect. How many more anti-choice bills do we need to put on the floor before we do what is important to build a society? Madam Speaker, we need to give women and their families and their doctors the ability to make decisions for their bodies. Leave my body alone.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 57.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 26.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise to mark the fifth anniversary of the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals (NAAHP) and to honor its years of service to the Haitian-American community and our nation. NAAHP was founded in 2008 as the National Association of Haitian Professionals (NAHP) by a group of ambitious college students to connect Haitian professionals and build ladders of opportunity for the Haitian diaspora domestically and abroad. In 2015, NAHP officially became the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals to reflect the organization's growth and pursuit of new initiatives since its launch in 2011. In the past five years, NAAHP has become one of the leading associations for Haitian professionals and also an advocate on issues affecting the global Haitian community. NAAHP has hosted many conferences around the world to engage the Haitian diaspora, recognized influential Haitian leaders, awarded scholarships to students of Haitian descent, launched the Network After Work Social Hour Series, and offered year-round college readiness programs through its College Readiness Access & Retention Institute. NAAHP has led the Haitian diaspora in confronting a number of issues affecting Haitians abroad. Since 2015, it has been one of the foremost advocates fighting the denaturalization of Dominicans of Haitian descent. In response to Haiti's derailed 2015 presidential elections, NAAHP proposed several solutions which were adopted and helped to mitigate the political crisis. Every year, the NAAHP conference gathers Haitians from around the world to highlight the Haitian diaspora's success, network, and share solutions to address Haiti's challenges. I am so pleased that the NAAHP decided to convene in Washington, D.C., for its fifth annual conference. As the Member of Congress representing the Congressional District with the largest population of Haitians, it gives me great pleasure to welcome NAAHP and the diaspora to Washington. This year's honorees include Congresswoman Mia Love (UT-4), Washington D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine, National Urban League president Marc Morial, entrepreneur Leanna Archer, and renowned architect Rodney Leon. I personally thank Robert Raben, Cleve Mesidor, and Donald Gatlin from the Raben Group, Suze Francois, Albert DeCady, Ambassador Paul Altidor, Naomie Pierre-Louis, Ariel Dominique, and everyone at the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti, 1 Click, Off the Ground Solutions, Haiti Renewal Alliance, and Azure College for their unwavering support of NAAHP. I commend the NAAHP leadership team for their commitment, dedication, and excellence. The executive management team includes Serge Renaud (president), Marie Myka Texas, Samuel Charles, Vladimir ``Vlad'' Gilbert, Regine Albin, Ketsia Saint-Armand, Victoria Winslow, Kathy W. Elisca Clermont, Widline Luctama, Tracy Vertus, Kristia M. Beaubrun, Claslyne Doris Jean Pierre, Verlene Julceus, and Malika Raquel Bernard. The Board of Directors consists of Dr. Wilkerson Compere (chairman), Samuel Charles, Mackendy Elmera, Serge Renaud, Dr. Cledicianne Dorvil, and Anide Jean. The Advisory Board is co-chaired by Dr. Marjorie Pierre Brennan and Miche Jean, and includes Nathalie Liautaud, Bruno Surpris, Dr. C. Reynold Verret, Dr. Paul A. Belony, Ambassador Danielle Saint-Lot, Jaques M. Jean, Brigitte Rousseau, Adler C. Eliacin, and Harold Charles. The Scholarship Committee is led by co-chairs Dr. Marjorie P. Brennan and Jacques Medina Jean, and includes Widline Luctama, Regine Albin, Bruno Surpris, and Miche Jean. The Advocacy Committee is under the leadership of the Honorable Judge Lionel Jean-Baptiste, Joanne Antoine, and Cassandre Theano. Mr. Speaker, I urge you, my colleagues in Congress, and all Americans to please join me in honoring the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals on their fifth anniversary and for hosting this year's conference in our nation's capital.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise to recognize the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the design-build team for their efforts to reconstruct the National Campus of Health and Sciences of Haiti. As the proud Congressional Representative for one of the largest populations of Haitian Americans in the United States, I am deeply concerned about the quality of life for Haitians here and in Haiti. I am beaming with pride and honored to commemorate the great works that are being undertaken by USAID and others to improve living conditions in Haiti. The National Campus of Health and Sciences of Haiti was developed by USAID as a part of Haiti's recovery following the devastating 2010 earthquake. The catastrophic earthquake caused widespread death and destruction, and destroyed the original National Medical University and National School of Nursing where the majority of Haiti's doctors and nurses were trained. The National Campus of Health and Sciences was originally built in 1862. The loss of the two important learning institutions had a major impact on the delivery of medical care in Haiti and their replacement was critical to the country's recovery. The new facility is set to produce approximately 1,500 doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health practitioners over the next 10 years. The collaboration, of the design-build team was remarkable and worthy of recognition. The team was led by Tseng Consulting Group, under the leadership of George S. Tseng, PhD, PE, and included Mr. Eric Accime, Mr. Jene C. Thomas, Mission Director of USAID-Haiti, Mr. Manish Kumar, PE, of USAID, Dr. Jean-Claude Cadet, Dean of the National Campus of Health and Sciences, and many other USAID key personnel. The reconstruction of the National Campus of Health and Sciences was based upon the best practices of design-build and delivery techniques as developed and promoted by the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA). Jane H. Hsiao, PhD, Dr. Tseng, and Mr. Accime also provided significant financial contributions to the National Campus for Health and Sciences to ensure its long term maintenance and sustainability. Haiti has provided the world with learned scholars, renowned and acclaimed artists, and some of the most delectable cuisine. I am excited about the new contributions that Haitians will be able to make to the world through the reconstructed National Campus of Health and Sciences. Mr. Speaker, I urge you, my colleagues in Congress, and all Americans to please join me in recognizing USAID and the design-build team for their commitment, dedication, and excellence in the reconstruction of the National Campus of Health and Sciences of Haiti.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. As Members of Congress, we should look to Apollo 11 as inspiration as we work to tackle challenges that seem unsurmountable. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting for this bipartisan legislation, which has 298 cosponsors and the support of Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, Apollo 11's two surviving astronauts.

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my full support for the passage of H.R. 2726, the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. I want to thank my longtime friend and Florida colleague, Representative Posey, for his outstanding leadership as the sponsor of this bill. I am proud to have worked very closely with him to build bipartisan support for this legislation. I also want to thank Speaker Ryan, Chairman Hensarling, Ranking Member Waters, and the Financial Services Committee for their work to bring this bill to the floor. Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today authorizes the minting and distribution of commemorative coins to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first manned lunar landing mission, Apollo 11. These coins will honor Apollo 11 crew members, Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin, and Neil Armstrong; NASA scientists, engineers, and astronauts; and the other 400,000 Americans who made the mission possible. Surcharges from the sale of these coins will further our commitment to promote STEM education, space exploration, and science discovery. It will honor astronauts who lost their lives in service of our country and support the Destination Moon exhibit, which will feature exciting Apollo 11 artifacts. As a former elementary school principal and leading advocate for STEM education, I am very happy that this bill supports college scholarships for future scientists, engineers, and astronauts. Mr. Speaker, the Apollo 11 mission is a testament to our values as Americans. The mission's success reminded the world of our commitment to hard work, determination, and patriotism. When many questioned whether we could rise to the challenge of putting a man on the Moon within a decade, we came together, worked our hardest, and achieved this daunting task in just 8 years. We left the world in awe and wonder. When our astronauts were 4 miles past the designated landing spot and mission control told them that they had just 60 seconds of fuel left before the landing would have to be aborted, they did not panic. With unrelenting resolve, they managed to land on the Moon with only 17 seconds to spare. When Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong planted our flag on the Moon, millions of Americans felt a sense of pride that was exhilarating and inspiring.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 592.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Scott. As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I rise to voice my strong opposition to H.R. 6094, which would delay the overtime rule. It is not fair that the men and women teetering on the brink of poverty, people making $23,660 a year, are asked to work 50, 60, or 70 hours a week with no promise of extra pay. It is not fair that millions of mothers and fathers who are forced to work long hours each week find it almost impossible to give their children the time and attention they deserve, yet they are still deprived of the overtime pay that could lead to the economic security of their families. The Department's overtime rule will extend long-awaited wage protections to nearly 4.2 million Americans, including 331,000 Floridians. I applaud the Department and the administration for their continued commitment to combating the wage stagnation that has left far too many Floridians working more hours for less pay. My hardworking constituents and Americans across this country deserve a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. This overtime rule makes us one step closer to this goal. Small- business owners, nonprofits, and higher education institutions have options for complying with this rule, which would not impose any additional cost. Let's make that clear. H.R. 6094 will take $600 million out of the pockets of 4.2 million American workers who would have gained overtime protections on December 1. This is $600 million they will never see. That means, for example, that workers will have less money to spend on their families and their futures.

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress, we are required to serve the will of the people, and millions of working class people want and need this rule now. Polls show that 76 percent of voters say they support the rule. We must do what is best for the American people by ensuring that all Americans are paid a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. I remain steadfast in my commitment to strengthening the wage and hour protections that Americans deserve. It is critical that the overtime rule goes into effect without any changes on December 1, 2016.