Brian Higgins

You know, it has long been known and long ignored that Social Security has a customer service problem.

Aren't you putting that very program at risk by not raising the debt ceiling?

$47 billion in Medicare provided payments that are due June 1 would not go out.

$25 billion in Social Security benefits would not be sent out.

$12 billion as of June 1, if we default, $12 billion in veterans benefits would not be sent out.

It is a constitutional obligation that we pay our debts, particularly when 75 percent of those are to our own people.

If Kevin McCarthy wants to petition the United States Supreme Court to allow the United States of America to default on its obligations... that is on his speakership and on his party.

The validity of the public debt shall not be questioned. This is not a political negotiation, this is a moral and legal obligation to be honored.

The U.S. economy is not in decline, it is healthy and it is growing.

We cannot suddenly change our views on this based on the political party of the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The way to help them is not to pass a bill, as the House of Representatives did two weeks ago, that, according to Moody's, would lead to 800,000 fewer jobs by the end of next year and a greater likelihood of a recession.

I couldn't disagree more, and here is why: his very pessimistic assessment of doom and gloom--that the debt has doomed us, and that Americans are struggling today more so than at any time in our history--that perception runs completely…

The Federal Government isn't in the way. It is really leading the way. And that has to be acknowledged.

I fear we are heading down a dark path in this country where innovation is stifled, consolidation fuels increasing healthcare costs, and America have less access to the medical providers of their choice.

The unintended consequence of the law meant to lower drug prices may actually increase them.

We must not only ensure that all Americans with cancer have access to these innovative, cutting-edge therapies but also that we foster their development.

Just to close, Mr. Chairman, there has been a lot of talk about making changes to Social Security to secure its long-term viability.

As this has been said, the first Social Security check went out in 1940 and has never missed a payment, which speaks to the strength and the resiliency of that program.

Without that kind of positive net immigration, we would have a very different distribution.

Immigration is truly crucial.

Day in and day out, our dedicated letter carriers and postal workers deliver to America for America, but processing and delivering the mail should never leave these workers stranded, threatened, or at risk of losing their lives. However…

I also plan to reintroduce the Care is an Economic Development Strategy--or CEDS--Act this Congress.

I plan to reintroduce this legislation soon.

The noise pollution caused by aircraft and airports, when not addressed, is an unacceptable encroachment on so many of our communities.

I strongly urge the committee to consider the inclusion of this bipartisan, bicameral initiative in the FAA Reauthorization Act.