Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, our country faces a critical financial deadline in just 19 days. While Democrats are offering solutions to raise revenue and cut government spending, the House Republican leadership still refuses to take action on something we all agree on-- extending middle class tax cuts.

We need to give middle class families in my home State of Rhode Island and across our Nation the certainty that they will not see a tax increase at a time when they can least afford it. I've heard from hundreds of Rhode Islanders who want to know why we don't have a deal already. I've heard from seniors who want us to protect Social Security, working parents who want us to extend tax cuts for the middle class, and those still struggling to find work who rely on unemployment insurance to make ends meet.

It's time for the Republican leadership to work across the aisle to reach a deal that strengthens the middle class and responsibly addresses our debt.

Mr. Speaker, Democrats and Republicans agree that we should preserve tax cuts for all Americans on the first $250,000 of family income. This will protect 98 percent of Americans from a tax increase and 97 percent of small businesses.

We have different ideas on the best and fairest way to set rates for the top 2 percent, the wealthiest Americans. Let's have that debate in the coming weeks, but let's act on the overwhelming areas of agreement today. This is not about a Democratic or Republican victory in this Chamber. It's about a victory for the American people.

Instead of moving forward with middle class tax cuts, our friends on the other side of the aisle are trying again to put forth a plan that gives tax breaks to the richest Americans at the expense of our seniors, veterans, the disabled, and the middle class.

It's time for the partisan games to end. Let's prove to the American people that this is the people's House. Pass the middle class tax cuts today.

Mr. Speaker, last month, the American people went to the polls and delivered Congress a resounding message--that Republicans and Democrats should be working together to solve our Nation's problems. Although our constituents have made it clear that the time for partisan games is over and despite overwhelming support for the idea, the House Republican leaders are refusing to hold a vote on extending tax cuts for middle class families. Instead, they plan to keep holding them hostage to tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans.

So, today, we have filed a discharge petition to force a vote on the Middle Class Tax Cut Act so that 98 percent of Americans and 97 percent of small businesses don't have to worry about their taxes going up at the end of this year. It will ensure that 100 percent of Americans will see a tax cut for the first $250,000 of family income.

The Senate has already passed an equivalent bill, but today the House is still standing in the way of tax relief for middle class families. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the right thing for working families: force the House Republican leadership to hold a vote on the middle class tax cut bill by signing this discharge petition and by forcing the bill to the floor so that we can do right by the American people.

Mr. Speaker, this Saturday is World AIDS Day, which is an opportunity for us to recognize the significant progress that we have made over the last three decades in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Yet, while we have made significant strides during this time, we also have to recognize that substantial work remains to be done. Although the number of new infections is steadily decreasing every year, 34 million people, including 1 million people in the United States and more than 2,000 in my home State of Rhode Island, live with HIV or AIDS today.

In the weeks ahead, as we discuss how we are going to reduce the size of our Federal deficit, it is critical that we move forward in a way that allows our country to continue to play a leadership role in the global fight against this disease. As a member of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, I applaud the progress that we have made as a Nation since the scientific community first identified this disease, and I urge my colleagues to continue to support advances in its treatment and prevention until we can live in a world without HIV and AIDS.

Madam Speaker, earlier this week, our Nation observed Veterans Day. As we honor all the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces, we're especially mindful of all those who have laid down their lives in defense of our freedoms. In just the past year, Rhode Island families were forced to say goodbye to two loved ones taken from us while serving our country in Afghanistan. Sergeant Dennis Weichel and Lance Corporal Abraham Tarwoe are American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for a country they loved.

So now it falls to those of us privileged to serve in this Chamber to keep the commitments and promises that have been made to our veterans. For all the bravery and dedication that they have shown us, our veterans deserve to know that they will be able to support their families, send their children to college, and retire with economic security. As we continue discussing ways to reduce the size of our Federal deficit, it is absolutely critical that we maintain programs important to veterans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the hardworking men and women at Alexion's biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Smithfield in my home state of Rhode Island.

Co-founded by Steven Squinto and Leonard Bell, Alexion was recognized earlier this month by Forbes Magazine as the second most innovative company in America for its work to develop life-saving treatments for ultra-rare genetic diseases.

One hundred hardworking men and women are employed at Alexion's Smithfield manufacturing facility, and they are helping to show the region and the country how to make it in America.

They provide a model to be followed as we work to strengthen research and development, and reinvigorate American manufacturing, particularly advanced manufacturing, and put our country back to work in well-paying positions.

I applaud their achievements and recognition, and I wish Alexion continued success.

Mr. Speaker, later today, the House is scheduled to adjourn for 6 weeks with no plans to come back into session until November.

On behalf of the hardworking Rhode Islanders whom I serve, I rise to express my deep disappointment that the House Republican leadership is choosing to adjourn and to abandon the middle class when so much work is left to be done.

In my home State, nearly 60,000 men and women cannot find work. More than 50,000 homes have mortgages that are under water, but instead of working to pass a comprehensive jobs plan, provide relief to homeowners, or strengthen families by passing the middle class tax cuts, House Republicans want to take the next 6 weeks off.

Today's action by the Republican leadership is a failure of their responsibility to lead, and I urge them to reconsider and agree to remain here and commit to working together in a bipartisan way to address the urgent issues facing our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to implore my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to put aside politics and get to work on behalf of the American people.

Just 61 bills have been signed into law this year, the fewest in more than 60 years. There have been two noted

congressional historians, Norm Ornstein and Thomas Mann, who have said:

We have no choice but to acknowledge that the core of the

problem lies with the Republican Party.

They go on to say:

Today, thanks to the GOP, compromise has gone out the

window in Washington.

Despite this reality, we have to get some important work done for those who sent us here. Republicans continue to choose politics over policy, ignoring critical legislation which requires our attention.

After returning from a 5-week recess, the House Republican leadership has scheduled only 5 days in session in September, despite this growing list of important challenges facing our country.

While we voted 33 times to repeal the Affordable Care Act and passed a budget that ends the guarantee of Medicare, much work remains, including extending tax cuts for the middle class, comprehensive jobs legislation like the Make It In America agenda, reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, postal reform, and a big, balanced plan to reduce the deficit.

I ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, let's get to work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the responsibility that this institution has to the American people to finish the work they sent us here to do.

Partisan gridlock may make 2012 one of the Congress' least productive years in decades. That's why this institution has seen some of the lowest public approval ratings in history.

The American people expect better from their elected officials. They know that Members of Congress should be acting like adults and working with Members on the other side of the aisle to get things done. Each of us should remember the people we serve: the seniors who worked for years to secure a successful retirement, the students who took out loans to help pay for college, the middle class families who are concerned about their long-term economic security.

Rather than meeting for only 8 days this month, as Republicans propose, let's remain here, pass the American Jobs Act that the President proposed over a year ago, put aside partisanship, roll up our sleeves, and get back to work for the people we serve.

Mr. Speaker, on the Legislative Day of September 10, 2012, upon request of a leave of absence, a series of votes were held. Had I been present for these rollcall votes, I would have casted the following votes: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 6122, To revise the authority of the Librarian of Congress to accept gifts and bequests on behalf of the Library, and for other purposes (Roll No. 557)--I vote ``Yes''; On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 2139, Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act (Roll No. 558)--I vote ``Yes''; On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 6186, To require a study of voluntary community-based flood insurance options and how such options could be incorporated into the national flood insurance program (Roll No. 559)-- I vote ``Yes.''

On the Legislative Day of September 11, 2012, upon request of a leave of absence, a series of votes were held. Had I been present for these rollcall votes, I would have casted the following votes: On Ordering the Previous Question for H. Res. 773, Providing for consideration of H.R. 5544, to authorize and expedite a land exchange involving National Forest System land in the State of Minnesota for the public school system, and for consideration of H.R. 5949, to extend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 for 5 years (Roll No. 560)--I vote ``No''; On Agreeing to the Resolution H. Res. 773, Providing for consideration of H.R. 5544, to authorize and expedite a land exchange involving National Forest System land in the State of Minnesota for the public school system, and for consideration of H.R. 5949, to extend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 for 5 years (Roll No. 561)--I vote ``No''; and On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 4264, FHA Emergency Fiscal Solvency Act (Roll No. 562)--I vote ``Yes.''

Mr. Speaker, the death of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry is a great loss for our nation. Congress has the responsibility to complete a full investigation into the events related to his death. That is why I supported Mr. Dingell's motion on June 28, 2012, to ensure a comprehensive, bipartisan and complete investigation into Operation Fast and Furious--including a public hearing, with witnesses previously prevented from testifying by the Majority party on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Unfortunately, however, House Republicans voted unanimously against this motion, in order to proceed instead with unprecedented, baseless and politically motived measures to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in civil and criminal contempt. I declined to participate in these partisan political games, and joined with my colleagues in vacating the House Floor in protest of the abuse of power and process demonstrated by the Majority Party's decision to bring H. Res. 711 and H. Res. 706 to the full House of Representatives, before undertaking a serious effort to resolve the disagreement between Congress and the Department of Justice regarding the disclosure of materials related to Operation Fast and Furious. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on roll call votes 441 and 442.

Mr. Speaker, since 1788, Gray's General Store has served customers in Rhode Island. For seven generations the Waite family has owned what is considered the oldest general store in the Nation. Gray's General Store closed its doors for the final time last Sunday.

This store has been a cultural cornerstone for more than two centuries in Little Compton, a town in my district which itself was established in 1682.

Since 1879, the Waite family has owned and operated Gray's General Store allowing generations of Rhode Islanders to have a place to share an ice cream and a laugh.

Despite the tremendous loss the community will face, I extend my well wishes to the present owner, Jonah Waite, as he transitions into a new chapter of his life.

I Honor Gray's General Store for its place in the history of Little Compton.

Mr. Speaker, the American people expect Congress to work to get our economy back on track, to promote economic growth, and to provide families and small businesses with some certainty when it comes to their taxes.

The Senate passed legislation to ensure that middle class families do not see a tax increase at the end of the year. Yesterday, House Democrats offered the identical bill, one that the President would sign, yet our Republican friends passed a plan that will raise taxes on 25 million middle class families by preserving tax breaks for the wealthiest among us.

We need to end this kind of political gamesmanship that has held our economy back. Against this backdrop, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle

have decided to leave town for almost 40 days with a long list of unfinished business: postal reform, the Violence Against Women reauthorization, the farm bill, comprehensive jobs legislation, the Make It in America agenda, a balanced and big plan to solve our deficit, and tax cuts for the middle class.

We should remain here and do the work the American people sent us to do.

Madam Speaker, now is the time for Congress to stand up for middle class families. I urge my Republican colleagues to abandon their plans to hold middle class tax cuts hostage to their demands for another tax cut for millionaires and billionaires and to pass a balanced tax plan, such as that contained in H.R. 15 that extends tax cuts for 98 percent of all Americans and 97 percent of small businesses.

If Congress fails to act, an estimated 400,000 families in Rhode Island could face an average tax increase of $1,600. The Republican tax proposal will end the expanded earned income tax credit and expanded child tax credit and eliminate the American opportunity tax credit. In my State of Rhode Island, it's estimated that more than 100,000 families would lose an average of $1,000 in 2013 if the child tax credit expansion is allowed to expire.

The Republicans' misguided plan would protect tax cuts for the wealthiest, while effectively raising taxes on 25 million lower- and middle-income Americans. I urge my colleagues to support a balanced plan that protects the middle class, strengthens our small businesses, and strengthens our economy.

Mr. Speaker, last week the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5856, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act. While I strongly oppose some provisions of H.R. 5856, I voted in favor of this legislation in order to support our troops, military families, and veterans, and to advance other important priorities for our national defense.

I applaud the leadership of Chairmen Rogers and Young and Ranking Member Dicks in crafting a bill that provides an increase to service members' pay, strengthens health care services, and advances critical research for cancer, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other conditions. H.R. 5856 supports a continued investment in small businesses through the Rapid Innovation Program, provides for the production of two Virginia- class attack submarines, advances the Iron Dome program, and seeks to hold Pakistan accountable by ensuring they are cooperating with the United States in counterterrorism efforts, including dismantling and disrupting the manufacture of improvised explosive devices--an issue that I specifically addressed through two successful amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act offered earlier this year.

However, I must also note my strong disappointment that this legislation breaches the Budget Control Act of 2011--the bipartisan, bicameral agreement enacted into law last year, which was designed to help rein in spending and stabilize our nation's finances. Despite the fact that over $1 billion in spending was reduced through the successful adoption of an amendment offered by Representative Mulvaney and Representative Frank, effectively freezing defense spending in the bill at current levels, H.R. 5856 still exceeds the budgetary cap set by last year's Budget Control Act by several billion dollars. An additional amendment was offered by Representatives Lee, Van Hollen, and Smith that would have brought the bill's spending in line with the levels set by last year's Budget Control Act. Unfortunately, while I voted in favor of this amendment, it was not adopted by the full House. Moreover, I offered an amendment to H.R. 5856 to strike funding for the Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund (AIF). As originally presented in the full House of Representatives, H.R. 5856 proposed $375 million in spending over the next fiscal year for large-scale water, power, transportation and other projects in Afghanistan through the AIF while our national infrastructure is crumbling here in America and in my home state of Rhode Island. While my amendment did not pass, I did vote in favor of a successful amendment offered by Representative Cohen to reduced AIF funding by $175 million.

With President Obama's announcement of the U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement in May 2012, our nation took another step toward the end of combat operations in Afghanistan and the transition of military and security operations to the Afghans by 2014--a timeline that had not yet been identified in 2011 during consideration of the FY 2012 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. I, and many of my colleagues in Congress, would prefer an accelerated drawdown

of U.S. combat troops--one that allows for the safe, orderly, and expedited withdrawal of our combat forces. During consideration of H.R. 5856, I voted in favor of amendments offered by Representative Lee and Representative Garamendi that would have helped bring our troops home from Afghanistan sooner. Unfortunately, these amendments did not pass. As the White House has affirmed in reference to the Partnership Agreement, the decisions regarding future troop levels and funding will need to be made in consultation with Congress.

I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate in a bipartisan fashion to reach an agreement in the coming weeks that advances the important priorities I have identified while also fulfilling our commitment under the Budget Control Act, ending the War in Afghanistan as quickly and safely as possible, and recognizing the urgent need to reinvest in our own economy and our own infrastructure right here at home.