On the recordOctober 14, 2013
I thank the distinguished gentleman from Virginia for his observations and for reminding the American people that the President, the Senate majority, Democrats in the House of Representatives have always been prepared to sit down and attempt to find common ground as it relates to the challenges that we confront here in the country. We have been asking for a conference committee to be put into place so we can discuss the budget passed by the House and passed by the Senate and figure out how we can negotiate around those differences since March; but the House majority has refused to appoint Members to negotiate the budget differences. But we are not going to be put into a position where essentially you say, Give us everything we want--the right-wing Republican agenda for this country rejected by the American people on November 6, 2012. But notwithstanding that fact, give us everything we want or we are going to shut down the government or force a default that plunges this country and the world into a painful recession. We are not interested in negotiating on those terms because it is not in the best interest of the American people. I am pleased that we have been joined by the distinguished Representative from the great State of California. I yield to Representative Barbara Lee.
