Mark Pryor: “I rise to discuss the pending budget agreement. First, I wish to praise Senator Murray and Congressman Ryan for their…”

“I rise to discuss the pending budget agreement. First, I wish to praise Senator Murray and Congressman Ryan for their hard work. I think everyone around here and everyone around the Nation recognizes what they have done. Their efforts have allowed us to reach a bipartisan and bicameral agreement. They deserve our recognition, and we appreciate them for all their hard work. I am sure at times it seemed like endless hours of hard work, but it has definitely paid off with the big votes we have seen in the House and also in the Senate. As anyone in this Chamber could tell us, bipartisanship is all too rare in Congress these days. I can only speak for myself, but I am tired of the gridlock, and the American people--especially those whom I talk to from Arkansas--are tired of it as well. We must work together to get work done and to keep our economy growing. This agreement, in my view, is a positive step forward. It gives our business community and our economy the certainty it has been looking for. It also prevents the ``my way or the highway'' politics that have been so destructive and that have been practiced by an irresponsible few that have seemed committed to hurt our economy. It restores resources to our national security interests, which I think is extremely important. I appreciate what Senator McCain of Arizona said a few moments ago on the floor. It does all this while reducing the deficit.…”