Political Quotes

“I thank you and Ranking Member Slaughter for the opportunity to speak in support of the Senate Amendments to H.R. 2775 which: Reopens the government; Averts a catastrophic default that would risk the full faith and credit of the United States; and Clears the way for the House and Senate to appoint conferees to start the budget negotiations that Democrats have called for since April. The government shutdown has lasted 16 days making the beginning of fiscal year 2014 an extremely difficult time for Federal employees and the people they serve. It has also imposed tremendous hardship on the dedicated employees of the House of Representatives as well as for each Member of the House of Representatives. The bipartisan Senate compromise would: Extend the continuing resolution through January 15; Suspend the debt limit through February 7, with congressional disapproval process; Require certification by HHS that there is income verification for those applying for premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, a provision supported by the administration; Allow for the appointment of budget conferees, who will report to Congress by December 13. Madam Speaker, this should not have taken 16 days to accomplish. Federal workers are our Nation's greatest resource because they provide the know-how and expertise to meet the needs of this great Nation. Madam Speaker, I consider all of our Federal workers as essential, not just the 1.3 million who are designated as such.…”