Paul Tonko: “Thank you, Representative Ryan. Thank you for expressing the tone of harshness that has prevailed in this Chamber. I…”

“Thank you, Representative Ryan. Thank you for expressing the tone of harshness that has prevailed in this Chamber. I don't know if I can remember when a law, a standing law in this country, was used as a reason to avoid paying our bills or keeping government running. I find it regrettable that we go after the law of the land, in this case the Affordable Care Act. They'll reference it as ObamaCare, and we will see how long that label stands when the program proves successful. It might be removed immediately. But, nonetheless, the harshness here is driven after a season, season's worth of activity on the Affordable Care Act. {time} 1300 We have voted for it in both Houses of the Congress and with bipartisan support in the Senate. The President stood for reelection, and was reelected amidst immense arguments and debates about repeal and replace by the opposition, by the candidate for President of the other major party. So the people have spoken. Then, when they elected Members to the House of Representatives, the cumulative total of votes for the Members of this House was, in the majority, calling for Democrats. The people have stated they support this. As Senator McCain indicated on the floor just this week, there are consequences to elections. It's not sinking in--or perhaps it has, but they refuse to allow their behavior to end. It's putting themselves first as political forces rather than the people, rather than what's in the best interest of the people.…”