Political Quotes

“Nearly 8 months ago we stood on the floor of this House led by the Republican majority, swore the oath of office to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and even read the Constitution here on the floor of the House. We read in the 14th amendment, Section 4: ``The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned.'' We read that, and here we are on the brink of default because the Republican majority has failed to compromise. The Republican majority said we won't do what we've done for every other President, which is give him a clean debt ceiling vote on this floor so that he can pay the debts and obligations of the United States. So seniors are waiting on Wednesday next week to know whether they're going to get their Social Security benefits. Military servicemembers are waiting for their checks. Retirees are waiting for their checks. And we stand here on the brink of default. I would ask the President of the United States to exercise whatever authority is necessary to pay our seniors their Social Security benefits and to meet the obligations of the United States. It's time for us to do our job. It's time for this majority to compromise. It's time for us to lead. ____________________”