On the recordMay 20, 2013
I would like to echo what my friend, Congressman Reid Ribble, said a moment ago. The people of southeastern Michigan sent me here to solve the problems affecting our great Nation. The Problem Solvers coalition offers a chance to break the partisan gridlock by bringing Democrats and Republicans together to focus on good governance. Our coalition meets regularly to find commonsense solutions because Washington's inability to work together has put the future of our children and grandchildren in jeopardy. More than two centuries, Members of the first Congress were summoned to uphold and defend the Constitution. The proudest boast then in the civilized world was, ``I am an American.'' Today, we must ensure that being an American makes you the envy of the world. {time} 1950 I recognize that we all have different viewpoints. I understand that this is a contentious time in Congress--different viewpoints clash, sometimes rightfully so. However, I do think that there is one goal that everyone here has--to hand the next generation a country that is in better condition than when we found it. We must strive valiantly, and we must dare greatly to solve problems here in Washington by working together to find common ground. We all have been sent here to serve the people, and I urge my colleagues to join the Problem Solvers Coalition and to start doing the work of the people. Thank you, and God bless you.
