On the recordOctober 16, 2013
In New Hampshire and across our country, we continue to see how congressional dysfunction is damaging our economy. The other day, I had a telephone town hall to talk with my constituents about how to end this gridlock. I spoke with Nelson in Columbia, New Hampshire, a veteran who fought for our freedom in World War II. All he asked is that Republicans and Democrats stop fighting with each other. If we do not end this shutdown soon, on November 1, veterans like Nelson will not receive over $6 billion in pension, education, and other benefits they have earned. If we do not act now, we will fail to pay our bills and will default on all of our obligations. This is obviously unacceptable to the American people and to our economy. Every day this shutdown continues is a day that Congress does not focus on growing the economy, fostering job creation, and expanding opportunity for the middle class. It is long past time for Republicans and Democrats to come together, and that is why I am proud to be a founding member of United Solutions, a group of new Members who is working together and will vote today to reopen our government, pay our bills, and move our country forward. ____________________
