On the recordMarch 21, 2013
Mr. President, I think we have made our case here with the $975 billion in spending cuts that are contained in the budget, and the fact that to date we have made $2.4 trillion in debt reduction, and of that 70 percent or $1.5 trillion has been spending cuts. What we are simply trying to do with this budget is keep this balanced approach to not set an economy--which was literally on its heels a few years ago-- back in the same place. We want to do deficit reduction. We want to give our businesses the kind of consistency and incentive to invest, but not do it in a way which Chairman Bernanke has said would cause a sharp contraction by doing too much too soon at once on the backs of the middle class and seniors. I am very hopeful in the coming months I will be able to find some kind of compromise and agreement with our colleagues. The American people are tired of the gridlock. They want to see people are willing to work together. I truly believe courage is not just standing alone but standing next to someone you don't always agree with for the betterment of this country. Senator Sessions and I have worked very well together on Judiciary matters, and I wish to continue to do this on the budget. Turning to another matter, I spoke about marketplace fairness, and I support that amendment to this bill. I also want to talk about the medical device tax repeal.…





