Joe Crowley: “The 113th Congress has been in session for over 100 days; and so far, the majority has attacked worker protections…”

“The 113th Congress has been in session for over 100 days; and so far, the majority has attacked worker protections, slashed important job-training programs, and has created one manufactured fiscal cliff after another. This is the last week before yet another recess, but there is still no proposal to help Americans get back to work. Instead, we have another attack on the Affordable Care Act. Plus, we have on the floor today the Responsible Helium Administration and Stewardship Act. I, in fact, had a balloon, Mr. Speaker, that I would have liked to have had on my wrist as I gave this speech this morning, but I was told it would not be appropriate--and maybe not. But helium? Helium? Really? I hate to burst the majority's bubble, but Democrats and Republicans actually agree on this bill. There was no need to take up a full day of our time to debate the bill. We could have considered it under the expedited procedures and saved time for proposals that created jobs instead of balloons. With leadership like this, it's no wonder the American people are feeling discouraged and deflated. Helium? Helium. ____________________”