Let's Deal with Our Debt and Our Deficit

Floor Speech

Mr. BERA of California. Mr. Speaker, day No. 15.

Today is day No. 15 of the government shutdown. We are less than 48 hours away from defaulting on our bills. We have never done that in the history of the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, if we don't pay our bills, that would be reckless behavior and that would be irresponsible.

But we are seeing some progress.

First, it seems like both the House and the Senate have agreed to open up government until January 15. Let's make that happen.

Second, it seems like both the House and the Senate agree to lift the debt ceiling until February 7. Let's make that happen.

But let's do step number three, which says, let's set a budget process in place that negotiates a budget that starts to deal with our debt and our deficit so we can get out of this crisis mode and start getting about the business of creating jobs.

Mr. Speaker, now is the time for leadership.

Mr. Speaker, we are close. Let's get this done for the American people.

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