On the recordOctober 10, 2013
I have spent my career in San Diego, Sacramento, and DC working with all of my colleagues--no matter the party--to get things done for my constituents in San Diego. But now sadly, I stand on this floor and watch what I consider to be the greatest show of political dysfunction I have seen during my time in public service. I hear my colleagues on the other side of the aisle speak of winning, of putting points on the board. Winning? Mr. Speaker, there is no winning to be had here. But, I can tell you who is losing--hard working American families, my constituents in San Diego, and the great state of California. Every day that this shutdown continues more of my friends and neighbors are harmed. My city of San Diego loses $7 million a week every week that this continues. $7 million. Imagine the investments in our schools, roads, and small businesses that we could be making with that money. Jobless claims are surging as the many San Diegan contracting businesses are forced to lay off their workers. Small businesses in San Diego are finding it difficult to sustain their operations, as they lose thousands in stalled federal small business loans and grants. The many veterans who live in San Diego are finding their hard-earned and well-deserved benefits delayed. And now, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle talk of negotiating? The Senate passed a budget in March--in March.…
