Dear Friends,
I want to forward you Speaker John Boehner's remarks, below, from a conference call with House Republicans Sunday. I remain optimistic that we will find an agreeable, long-term solution that will avoid default without causing more damage to our economy. I will continue to keep you updated.
With Best Regards,
Michael T. McCaul Member of Congress
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Speaker Boehner’s Excerpts From Sunday’s Member Conference Call
(Courtesy of the Speaker’s Office)
“I went on Fox News Sunday this morning because it was the most effective way to tell everyone where things stand. It boils down to this: The president wants his $2.4 trillion debt limit increase all at once, without any guarantees that we’re going to cut more than $2.4 trillion in spending. The administration says they it all upfront so we don’t have to deal with this again until after the next election. You heard the president say that himself on TV the other night.
“We’ve seen this coming all year long. But here’s the challenge: to stop him, we need a vehicle that can pass in both houses. “You know, last week we passed the Cut, Cap & Balance Act and showed America our solution, our vision, as we did months ago with our budget. So we’ve done our job. And I think the nation knows it. But as you all know, the Senate tabled the Cut, Cap & Balance Act. And I think the nation knows that, too. So the question becomes – if it’s not the Cut, Cap & Balance Act itself – what CAN we pass that will protect our country from what the president is trying to orchestrate?
“The White House has never gotten serious about tackling the serious issues our nation faces – not without tax hikes – and I don’t think they ever will. The path forward, I believe, is that we pull together as a team behind a new measure that has a shot at getting to the president’s desk. It’s won’t be Cut, Cap, & Balance as we passed it, but it should be a package that reflects the principles of Cut, Cap, & Balance. We’re committed to working with you – and with our Republican colleagues in the Senate – to get it done. No one is willing to default on the full faith and credit of the United States.
“And I think the leaders in both parties and both houses of Congress already agree that we need significant reductions. But if we stick together, I think we can win this for the American people. . .because I do think there is a path. But it’s gonna require us to stand together as a team. It’s gonna require some of you to make some sacrifices. If we stand together as a team, our leverage is maximized, and they have to deal with us. If we’re divided, our leverage gets minimized.
“Before I close, let me thank all of you for your patience, and for your confidence, and for your commitment to our country. We’re doing the right thing, and you all know that the right thing isn’t always the easiest thing to do.” # # #
Thanks for the post. And thank your Congressman for keeping you (and us) informed.