On the recordFebruary 6, 2013
I like to call this the ``don't shift blame amendment.'' The bill before us today tries to blame President Obama for all our fiscal woes. Judging by the language of this legislation, I'm convinced the House Republicans live in a world where our entire national debt suddenly appeared on January 21, 2009. But let's be clear: Our debt was not created by the President alone. And while the President may be responsible for spending us a budget blueprint, it is ultimately Congress that holds the power of the purse. I think my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are forgetting a key part of our job: the President does not pass budgets, nor does he appropriate funds; Congress does. My amendment makes a simple change to the findings section of the bill to clarify that Congress has the constitutional responsibility to fund the Federal Government. I can guarantee that when the majority introduces its budget this month, it will be so extreme that it has no chance of passing both Houses. The Republican majority seems to be able to come together for meaningless proposals, but they know that when it comes to sensible legislation such as preventing us from going over the fiscal cliff or providing aid to Sandy victims, the 218th vote will come from a Democrat. The only thing allowing the House Republican caucus to govern is the House Democratic Caucus. It is the majority's failure to negotiate in good faith on the budget that has gotten us here today.…
