On the recordOctober 11, 2013
Mr. Speaker, it is time for solutions. We're 11 days into a Federal Government shutdown and days away from exhausting government's $16.7 trillion credit limit. Both parties need to be committed to opening government and getting our debt under control. House Republicans want to reopen the government, pay our bills, and defend America's credit rating. So let's keep talking and work to build common ground. It doesn't matter if you are a Republican or a Democrat. Each side can see the mathematical writing on the wall. In 10 years, discretionary spending will grow 17 percent. Meanwhile, mandatory spending on our debt drivers will grow 79 percent. Let's agree to start there. Let's reopen government, and let's reform what's driving our debt. Let's talk about making our Tax Code fairer and more competitive. Let's do the responsible thing to make sure we don't find ourselves in this situation year after year. ____________________
