I ran a campaign on the basis that we do not have a tax problem; we have a spending problem. I ran a campaign based on the American people wanting us in Washington to do what they have had to do in the last 3 years: sit down at the kitchen table, reprioritize, and spend within their means. We must do that. I commend what Senator Conrad from North Dakota said, and I commend the courage of the others who voted for the deficit reduction commission report because it is the kind of shared sacrifice and tough love that all of us need next year to rein in spending in this country and get our balance back. But in the immediate future, in the next 3 1/2 weeks, America's taxes are going up at a time of protracted recession and high unemployment. That doesn't make any sense.
Editor's note · Context
Isakson discusses the need for spending reform and the implications of tax increases during a recession.
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I ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient second. The clerk will call the roll. The senior assistant bill clerk called the roll.
I ask unanimous consent to address the Senate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Reserving the right to object and I will yield to the Senator from Alabama. I want everybody to listen closely. Senator, please listen to me closely. You are a great friend. I love you to death. But do you know what you just did? When you…
I thank the gentleman. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, all postcloture time is expired. The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the Murphy nomination?





