Paul Tonko actually said...

"Indeed, blaming the President for failure to stop indiscriminate, across-the-board cuts known as sequestration when the authority lies entirely at our feet is little more than an excuse."

"We cannot solve the Federal Government's budget problems without first helping families' household budget problems."

"Hon. Paul Tonko, a Representative in Congress from the State of New York, opening statement."

"I believe that you need to work together to come to a conclusion on this issue, but I would encourage you to resist outside pressure to disregard the expert recommendations of your staff."