Chuck Schumer: “the message from the President last night was simple. He wants a centrist and bipartisan agreement, a balanced budget in…”

“the message from the President last night was simple. He wants a centrist and bipartisan agreement, a balanced budget in 7 years. The President reached out his hand. It would be a shame if Newt Gingrich and the Republican freshmen slapped it. But already we hear plans from the extreme Republicans to add this bangle to the spending bill and that dangle to the debt ceiling. Mr. Speaker, last month the Republicans hostages were Government employees. This month it seems it will be the debt ceiling and America's credit rating. Holding the debt ceiling hostage will raise mortgage rates for homeowners, credit interest rates for consumers, college loan interest rates for students. Last month, Republicans learned that holding Federal employees hostage was wrong and bad politics and they had to retreat with their tail between their legs. Now, amazingly, the Republicans are attempting to play this hostage game again, this time with the full faith and credit of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I say to my Republican colleagues, when are you guys going to learn? Enough already.”