On the recordSeptember 9, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a simple message: Let's stay here and work for America. Last night, the President stood right there and challenged us to do what's right for America. We should do that. But you know what we're going to do? We're going to knock off early at noon today. The President wasn't allowed to speak on Wednesday because we had important business: we had one procedural vote to allow the Capitol grounds to be used for an event. That is unacceptable. We should stay here and work and git 'er done. Last night, I brought Lee Hiller to the speech. Lee is a heavy crane operator with the Operating Engineers. He said one thing to me: I've got guys who want to work; they're ready to work; put us to work. Today, schoolteachers are waking up all across America, getting up early and staying late to educate our children. Nurses are going to work 12-hour shifts curing the sick, and veterans overseas will work long hours protecting this Nation. The least we can do is stay here and do our job. Mr. Speaker, I encourage Americans all across this country, call their Member of Congress, tell them to git 'er done and work the way they're paid to do. Let's stay here and do that. ____________________
