John Yarmuth: “The cloud hanging over this Chamber is the threat of a government shutdown. We are engaged in what is literally a…”

“The cloud hanging over this Chamber is the threat of a government shutdown. We are engaged in what is literally a life-or-death debate about our priorities as a country, and the Republican majority's reckless spending plan doesn't just betray our national values, it highlights their values. They are demanding cuts to financial aid for students and assistance to homeless veterans or they'll shut the government down. They want to slash heating assistance for low-income seniors or they'll shut the government down. They're even demanding we sacrifice the needs of police officers, firefighters, nurses, seniors, and even pregnant women. And on top of all that, they're fighting to protect billions in tax breaks for Wall Street and oil companies or they'll shut the government down. In other words, they demand sacrifices from everyone except millionaires, billionaires, and their corporate benefactors. That's why I think we ought to call the reckless GOP spending plan ``good old payback.'' Mr. Speaker, we cannot let politics and corporate profits trump smart and compassionate policy and the well-being of our Nation. I urge my colleagues to reject these demands and fight to create a government and an economy that works for all Americans, not just the wealthy few. ____________________”