Frustration from the Middle Class

Floor Speech

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in frustration--frustrated with the lack of compassion for the middle class coming out of this body, frustrated with the lack of ideas and focus on job creation, and frustrated with the continued partisanship and division that have led to some of the lowest levels of confidence and trust for this body in its history.

America deserves better than this, Mr. Speaker. One hundred and sixty million middle class individuals deserve to have their payroll tax cut extended through the end of this year. Those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own deserve to know that they will be able to continue to have a lifeline in the time of need. And seniors deserve to know that they can visit their doctor of choice without worrying whether or not Medicare will cover the visit. America and Americans don't deserve more wasted time.

Instead of a vote today on the debt ceiling, one that is partisan, divisive, and ultimately dead on arrival in the other Chamber, we should be focusing on jobs and creating jobs and protecting the middle class. Think of it: 61 percent of Americans always or usually live paycheck-to-paycheck, which has risen from 43 percent in 2007.

Mr. Speaker, I'm frustrated with the American people being also frustrated. It's time this body come together, put politics aside, and work on growing jobs.

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