On the recordDecember 13, 2012
I rise today to urge a fiscal compromise that will allow us to avoid negative and very real consequences of the approaching fiscal cliff. Every day that passes without a deal only increases uncertainty in the markets and puts the brakes on potential economic activity. Failure to bring the national debt under control threatens our country's future. In the weeks following the election, the message was clear from the people of this country. They want the people in this Capitol, they want people in Washington to come together to find reasonable, balanced solutions to our Nation's problems. We need to show the country we are serious about working together to address our fiscal challenges--reducing the cost of borrowing and strengthening our financial outlook. The sooner we can agree on a long- term, balanced deficit reduction package, the better for our economy and the better for our country. It is time to put political differences aside to work on an agenda that strengthens our economy, promotes fiscal responsibility, and increases global competitiveness. I have always said that we need to make things in America, that we need to invent again, and that we need to export to the world. We are starting to do that again. I see it all over our State, where fortunately our unemployment rate is better than a lot of other States. It is about 5.8 percent, but we can do even better.…
