Dan Coats: “for several months now, I have been on the floor speaking, urging both Republicans and Democrats to listen to Americans…”

“for several months now, I have been on the floor speaking, urging both Republicans and Democrats to listen to Americans and take this unique opportunity we have before us to do what is right for our country's future. Mr. President, 2010 sent an unmistakable message. Americans do not want us to spend beyond our means, more than we take in. They do not want higher taxes. They do not want budget gimmicks, and more smoke and mirrors. They want real, serious solutions to address our real, serious problem. We have worked several months to try to do that. As I talk to Hoosiers all across the State of Indiana-- businesspeople, retired workers, young people, and others--I sense the fear, frustration, disappointment and even anger in a growing number of people that started in 2010 and is accumulating as we continue to careen toward a potential budget default without a sensible or serious plan in place to get us back on the right track toward fiscal health. American families are scared. They are scared, and they are frustrated, and I think rightfully so. They are worried about paying next month's bills. They are worried about getting a loan to buy a house or credit to help support a business. They are worried about being able to pay for their kids to go to school in the fall, just a few weeks away. Our seniors are scared. Throughout this debate, they have been used over and over again as a political football for scare tactics.…”