On the recordAugust 10, 2010
One of the things I have noticed over the past year, as our country has faced some of the greatest economic difficulties imaginable, is that there have been very few easy or inconsequential votes taken on this floor. Our nation's problems are vast and deep and they have tested this Congress, as we have again and again been forced to rise and meet unforeseen challenges while, at the same time, working to restore the promise inherent in the American dream to our fellow countrymen and women. Today is no different. The bill we bring to the floor today is a necessary measure. The fiscal fate of our states and over 300,000 jobs weigh in the balance. If we do not act, many of our nation's children will be left without teachers when they return to school in a few weeks. Worse, inaction could exacerbate an already unfolding crisis in our state and local governments, where budget shortfalls have cost 100,000 public servants their jobs in the past three months. So, we must act. It is unfortunate that in doing so, we must also cut $11 billion in benefits from the food stamp program to offset the cost of this necessary state aid. Indeed, this is a bitter pill to swallow.
