Harry Reid: “As the Republican leader mentioned, we continue to work toward a budget agreement. Negotiations are ongoing. I hope…”

“As the Republican leader mentioned, we continue to work toward a budget agreement. Negotiations are ongoing. I hope Democrats and Republicans will come to a resolution that is good for our economy and our country. It is imperative that we avoid yet another manufactured crisis that threatens the American economy and jobs. There is no reason to have a crisis. We must do it in a responsible manner. As I have been saying for a long time, it is past time that we do away with the harmful, draconian sequester cuts. We must also ensure that there are equal defense and nondefense cuts or increases. They need to be equal. Madam President, I see no one on the floor wishing to speak. I ask the Chair to announce the business of the rest of the day. ____________________”