Kevin Brady: “I rise this afternoon, first, to thank the gentleman, my friend from the Sixth District of North Carolina, Congressman…”

“I rise this afternoon, first, to thank the gentleman, my friend from the Sixth District of North Carolina, Congressman Mark Walker, for his leadership in our Republican House Conference, for his leadership in helping improve the lives of not just North Carolinians, but every American, and, tonight, for organizing today's Special Order, ``The People's Night,'' #witthepeople, on a night we had hoped our President would be here, as tradition requires, to give the State of the Union. I want to thank those who are here tonight. We heard from Mr. Johnson and my colleagues who are speaking tonight on the issues that are so important to the American people. Whether it is jobs, better wages, a stronger economy, more affordable and accessible healthcare, supporting resources for our troops and veterans, securing our border, standing with Israel, or, as Mr. Johnson pointed out, protecting the lives of the innocent unborn, I am proud to join you in this fight. Let's talk about the economy and jobs. We have seen such dramatic difference the last 2 years. Remember, before that, the economy had struggled for more than a decade. Every expert in Washington was telling the American people: Just get used to that. Get used to your paychecks being flat. Get used to jobs moving overseas. Get used to your kids coming out of school with fair to low opportunities. That is the new normal.…”