Patty Murray

I think the VA has made some strides but not enough.

They need care. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

This is another one of those issues that is going to require a bipartisan effort to move forward.

I know the Chairman is very proud of and I am very proud of, and this Committee should be very proud of that work.

We remain hopeful that Congress can build on this committee's work and can find a way to tackle this issue in a way though works for the American people and our economy.

After months of hard work and intense deliberations, we have come to the conclusion today that it will not be possible to make any bipartisan agreement available to the public before the committee's deadline.

Where the divide is right now is on taxes and whether or not the wealthiest Americans should share in the sacrifice that all of us have to make.

One of these provisions was the establishment of the Innovation Center at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

This is such an important issue--particularly now as we continue to implement the Affordable Care Act law passed this past year.

We all know that health care costs play a substantial role in the greater discussion of our national debt and deficit.

I recognize the incredible impact of the disasters in your States and other States across the country this year and agree that CDBG is an effective tool in helping aid recovery efforts. The Senators from North Dakota and the Senator from…

I urge you to focus on those issues that help states--not hurt them.

The American people realize that. They overwhelmingly support a balanced approach.

We need to find a way to come together around a bipartisan deal.

The consequences of failure are unacceptable.

Markets, rating agencies, and businesses across the country are watching closely to see if Congress can solve this problem.

Democrats have made clear that we are prepared to do that.

We have reduced and eliminated programs that benefit students, we have cut support for police officers on the street.

The Senate is being conciliatory in the manner of this committee in allowing that to occur.

These budget discussions and cuts are impacting directly a lot of people now as we try to put together our appropriations bills.

But I also really believe that we have to take steps to strengthen that economic recovery and address the jobs crisis that we are seeing today.

We have to abandon our nostalgia for the Tax Reform Act of 1986.

They want to know if we can make a real dent in the deficit so their children are able to compete and succeed.

This is infuriating for average taxpayers who are dutifully paying their taxes.

It is going to take honesty from every member of this committee, honesty with one another and honesty with the American people.