On the recordOctober 16, 2013
It is day 16, and I am cautiously optimistic that the shutdown ends today and that we begin to restore the full faith and credit of our Nation. Let's get this done. First, let's open the government today. Second, let's pay our bills and make sure that the world knows America always pays its bills. Most importantly, now is the time for us to come together and put a real budget together, a budget that brings Democrats and Republicans together, the best ideas out of both parties, and really begins to deal with the debt. We need a budget that begins to strengthen Social Security and Medicare for today's seniors, but also the next generation of seniors, and a budget that begins to create jobs and restores the middle class in America. Let's work together as Democrats and Republicans to put the American people first. We now have that opportunity. ____________________
