Lynn C. Woolsey: “I rise today to share my disappointment that the Republican leadership must resort to this resolution to ensure the…”

“I rise today to share my disappointment that the Republican leadership must resort to this resolution to ensure the continuity of our Nation's vital programs. Instead of staying here and finishing the work that needs to be done, the Republican leadership continues to schedule short workweeks. Everyday that they drag their feet is another day our Nation's working families continue to struggle. Our priorities should be passing a child tax credit that extends to low-income families denied a break in the Republican tax package, and, approving welfare reform that will not only reduce welfare rolls but also reduce poverty. No person should go a day longer forced to choose between paying their rent and paying for their prescription drugs while a prescription drug plan awaits a final vote by Congress. Sensible and popular initiatives such as education reform, homeland security and affordable housing continue to be either inadequately addressed or drastically underfunded by this leadership. Mr. Speaker, it is time for the Republican leadership to wake up and put America's priorities first. Our country's working families are working hard everyday to strengthen this nation and we should be working just as hard to support them.”