On the recordAugust 1, 2011
I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it's been a long road and one with more uncertainty than the American people should have to put up with. Fortunately, the ugly part of the process is behind us, and it's time to come together behind a realistic deal that will restore strength to the economy and deliver peace of mind to the American public. I believe that this is that deal. It's not perfect, but with a majority in just one Chamber, House Republicans negotiated a compromise that will be part of the debt solution, not part of the debt problem. It will stop a job-killing default, but cut spending even more. And it will hold Congress and the President accountable with automatic spending cuts and a guaranteed vote on the balanced budget amendment. Most importantly, it doesn't raise taxes--something that would damage our recovery. We have changed the conversation. The President is no longer asking for a blank check; he is negotiating with us to cut spending. This is how we'll end this spiral of debt that is draining our economy of capital, competence and jobs. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have contributed to this discussion, and I urge them to support this bipartisan deal. Let's get the job done.
