On the recordFebruary 15, 2011
While I support the Flake amendment, I oppose the underlying continuing resolution. The Republicans are here today offering another piece of their ``no jobs'' agenda, and they are in disarray and are hastily pushing an irresponsible and dangerous spending bill that threatens jobs, undercuts American innovation, and jeopardizes investments in rebuilding America. Creating jobs, protecting the middle class, and reducing the deficit are, indeed, my top priorities. We should be working together to accomplish these very valid goals. However, Republicans have controlled this House for 41 days, nearly 2 months, and brought up zero bills to create jobs. The mindless cuts that are on this floor today mean 1 million jobs cut, 1 million jobs cut from our economy--no jobs for nurses, no jobs for teachers, no jobs for police, no jobs for firefighters, no jobs for manufacturing, no jobs for small businesses. You cut the deficit by putting America back to work, not by cutting Social Security. Republicans aim to cut Social Security and Medicare. When Republicans say they are cutting costs, they mean cutting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid until they don't exist. Ask my seniors in the 21st Congressional District of New York, and they'll tell you to leave alone the Social Security system that has served them well.
