On the recordJanuary 23, 2013
I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. In 2011, the majority leader, Mr. Cantor, said: We don't need to be governing in 2 month increments. I agree. We don't need any more uncertainty. I agree. He later said: Uncertainty prevents entrepreneurs from taking a risk, from starting a business and creating jobs. I agree. Governing in 3-month increments is no better. It maintains a continuous cloud of uncertainty. We all saw the damage caused in 2011 when our Republican colleagues risked the full faith and credit of the United States. Businesses slowed and Standard & Poor's downgraded America's credit. Going down this road again will threaten our ongoing economic recovery and reverse job growth. My Republican colleagues continue to use the American economy as leverage for their ideological agenda and creating another cliff is not an adequate solution. This is hostage-taking, and this is unacceptable. This bill merely kicks the can down the road and does nothing to end the uncertainty facing businesses. I urge a ``no'' vote.
