On the recordSeptember 28, 2013
Republican extremists have put the Federal Government on the brink of a shutdown in less than 3 days. On yesterday, the Senate sent over a resolution that funds the government through November 15 using the sequester level of $986 billion. What is the Republican leadership going to do with this resolution that will keep the lights on through November 15? Are you going to continue to listen to the 40-50 ultraconservatives in your Conference whose agenda is to disparage President Obama and hold us hostage until we gut the Affordable Care Act, as the gentlelady from Tennessee just made reference to, and make deeper cuts that hurt the American people? Is this where we are headed? I pray for reasonableness on the part of my Republican colleagues. I know it's not all Republicans who are swinging the wrecking ball, but it's a critical mass within the Republican ranks that is beyond reason. A very sad day in American history is upon us. I urge Speaker Boehner to listen to voices of reason in his Conference and to pull together like-minded Republicans who can join with like-minded Democrats and get this done. The American people want compromise. They want it today. ____________________
