Budzinski Leads Charge Against GOP Bill to Undercut Worker Wages Amidst Record High Costs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) introduced a motion to defeat the so-called “Tipped Employee Protection Act” which would make it easier for employers to undercut worker wages at a time of rising costs. The Republican legislation would change federal wage law to allow companies to treat almost any worker as a “tipped employee,” even if they receive small or occasional tips, and legally pay them as little as $2.13 an hour. 

“In a time of rising costs, an uncertain economy, and working families all across my district struggling to make ends meet – this bill to reduce take-home pay for workers is tone deaf at best. At its worst, it’s a handout to corporations at a time when workers can least afford it,” Budzinski said on the House Floor.

You can watch Budzinski’s remarks during debate over the bill on the House floor HERE, and find her remarks as prepared for delivery below: 

Mister Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this legislation. 

This bill – deceptively named the “Tipped Employee Protection Act” – would change federal wage law to allow employers to treat almost any worker as a “tipped employee” … even if they receive small or occasional tips. This means lower wages for everyday Americans who are struggling daily with high costs. 

Think of a restaurant worker who both waits tables and covers some back-of-house shifts. This legislation would allow her employer to average her tipped wage from waiting tables with the standard minimum wage she earned during her back-of-house hours. 

By doing this, the employer could justify paying her a subminimum wage for ALL hours worked.

If this bill were to become law, the employer could classify her as a “tipped employee” … and could legally pay her as little as $2.13 an hour.  

In a time of rising costs, an uncertain economy, and working families all across my district struggling to make ends meet – this bill to reduce take-home pay for workers is tone deaf at best. At its worst, it’s a handout to corporations at a time when workers can least afford it. 

For this reason, at the appropriate time I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill.  

My amendment would attach the Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act to this bill, which would establish new and increased penalties for violations of overtime and minimum wage requirements. A real, common sense solution for working people. 

I ask unanimous consent to insert into the record the text of this amendment.

I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit. I yield back.

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