This is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill nor send it back to committee if adopted. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage as amended. Madam Speaker, we are 9 short days from the end of the fiscal year and 3 weeks from when we, as a Nation, can no longer pay our bills. In 2011, congressional leaders changed the rules for the first time ever by debating whether the United States should voluntarily refuse to pay its bills. Congress ultimately raised the debt limit, but this partisan brinksmanship led to business uncertainty, a drop in consumer confidence, and the first ever downgrade of our Nation's AAA credit rating. Most importantly, it cost job growth. I cannot believe that the full faith and credit of the United States would be threatened by this House. I cannot fathom how we can choose not to pay the bills we've already incurred. As we stand here today, we're hurdling toward a government shutdown and once again facing default. I'm offering this amendment because the last thing we should be doing is threatening seniors with losing their Social Security and Medicare. Our troops, protecting us both domestically and overseas, shouldn't have to worry about whether they'll be paid. With this amendment, Social Security checks will be processed and mailed on time; Medicare and veterans benefits will not be cut nor delayed; our service men and women, serving around the world, will receive the pay they have earned.…
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On that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XX, this 15- minute vote on the motion to table will be followed by a 5-minute vote on the passage of the bill, if…
Yes, Madam Speaker, I would like to be heard on the point of order. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Illinois is recognized on the point of order.





