On the recordJuly 30, 2019
the Senate has just a few more days this week to pass legislation to lift the budget caps and extend the debt ceiling before the summer State work period. As the minority leader, I don't have control over the schedule here on the floor, much to my dismay. So I am left to ask my friend, the majority leader, who does control the floor schedule: Why don't we vote on the caps deal today? Four congressional leaders and the White House reached an agreement 2 weeks ago. The President supports it. The House has already passed it. Secretary Mnuchin has said we need this legislation urgently before the State work period because he can't guarantee that we will not hit the debt ceiling before Congress reconvenes. The majority leader spoke about the importance of moving the budget agreement back in mid-May. Now the clock is ticking. I make clear to the leader and to all of my friends on the other side of the aisle, as well as all Americans: Democrats are ready to vote on the House bill today so it can get to the President's desk and we can avoid even a glimmer of default. ____________________
