On the recordOctober 25, 2011
We have just a few minutes left. I want you to know that my colleague Mr. Schrader and I, together with Representative Rooney, sent a letter to the supercommittee, and I'd like to just read it to the American people: ``We write to you as a bipartisan group of Representatives from across the political spectrum in the belief that the success of your committee is vital to our country's future. We know that many in Washington and around the country do not believe we in Congress and those within your committee can successfully meet this challenge. We believe that we can and we must. To succeed, all options for mandatory discretionary spending and revenues must be on the table. ``In addition, we know from other bipartisan frameworks that have targeted some $4 trillion in deficit reduction is necessary to stabilize our debt as a share of the economy and to assure America's fiscal well-being. ``Our country needs our honest, bipartisan judgment and our political courage. Your committee has been given a unique opportunity and authority to act. We are prepared to support you in this effort.'' My colleague and I have backed and encouraged the supercommittee to go big, to look at $4 trillion of deficit reduction, 9.1 percent. We know we can do that. It does not necessarily have to be draconian, and I know that we can get there. And for the last minute or so, my colleague from Oregon, any last comments?
