On the recordOctober 7, 2013
Today is day 7 of an unnecessary and harmful government shutdown that is hurting millions of Americans. Speaker Boehner called it an ``epic battle.'' Hundreds of thousands are out of work, Federal contractors aren't getting paid, small businesses aren't getting loans, home purchases are on hold, nutrition programs are at risk, and Speaker Boehner has said, ``It is time for us to stand and fight.'' With all due respect, Mr. Speaker, this is the U.S. House of Representatives; it is not a battlefield. It is not time for us to fight; it is time for us to vote. Our constituents sent us here to get things done, to work together. It is not time to fight; it is time to reopen the Federal Government. It is not time to fight; it is time to raise the debt ceiling and pay our bills. It is not time to fight; it is time to get the budget conference committee to work, something we have been asking for for months. We can do it today, Mr. Speaker. It is not time to fight; it is time to vote. It is not a surrender; it is a solution. It is not time to fight; it is time to vote. ____________________
