House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) on Thursday doubled down on previous comments where she described wage hikes, bonuses, and additional workers’ benefits resulting from the Republican tax overhaul as mere "crumbs."
In comments made during another "Trump Tax Talk" in Massachusetts, which were flagged by America Rising, Pelosi acknowledged she has been criticized for her rhetoric on the bonuses American workers are receiving. Nevertheless, she maintained the stance that, in comparison, the benefits really are only "crumbs."
"There’s a tax advantage in the beginning for families, and that’s their enticement," Pelosi said. "While they give banquets to the high end, to the top one percent, to corporate America, they are giving, I say crumbs, they mock me in ads for saying crumbs, compared to the banquet they give to the high end."
Pelosi first called the financial benefits workers received as a result of the new tax law crumbs during her weekly briefing in January. She again repeated those comments at a tax talk in Florida.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) echoed Pelosi’s rhetoric on the Senate floor last week.
President Donald Trump signed the Republican tax bill into law on Dec. 20, and since then, over 80 companies have announced plans to reward their workers with wage increases, bonuses, or additional benefits such as leave time for non-birth parents and additional paid sick days.
Most recently, Hostess Brands Inc. announced on Thursday morning it would be giving workers $1,250 in bonuses and one year of free snacks because of the new tax law.
Also on Thursday, UPS pledged to boost pension funding and Lowe’s announced it will expand benefits while also giving bonuses of up to $1,000.