Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I thank the distinguished chairman of the Appropriations Committee as well as the ranking member because as soon as our…”

“I thank the distinguished chairman of the Appropriations Committee as well as the ranking member because as soon as our leaders get back from the White House I certainly want us to be able to go forward and vote. To finish my remarks, we must take hold of our financial situation. There is no doubt we are spending too much, we are borrowing too much, and I believe we are taxing too much. It is time for us to hold the line on taxes so they do not go up for the people who would hire people. At the same time, we know we must cut responsibly. We must set our priorities and put a ceiling on spending in this country. I understand that is going to take more time than the next 4 days, but I implore my colleagues to not let the jolt happen on December 31 at midnight that would hurt our economy, possibly put more people out of work, and jeopardize their family incomes which, in many cases, are barely able to make ends meet today. Let's come together where I know from talking to my Democratic colleagues we could come together. If we can do the things that are necessary to bring us together to avoid this cliff, we need to do everything in our power to do it. I thank the Chair, and I certainly wish to yield the floor to the Senator from Vermont.…”