King Urges Colleagues to Break Through Gridlock

Statement

U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today urged his colleagues to break through the gridlock and political stalemate that is preventing Congress from performing its most basic functions, including passing a budget.

"This is not a speech about subject matter, it's not about global climate change or employment or the minimum wage or healthcare, but it's about whether or not this institution can function in order to confront any of those problems," said Senator King.

"Statistically, I'm told, this is the least productive Congress in American history thus far. No budget in four years, which, a budget is the basic function of any government. I understand there's been one appropriation bill out of 48 in the last several years, and the result has been a complete and total loss of confidence from the public. And that has significance. That is important because in our economy confidence is the mainspring. This is not an academic concern. I am not giving a lecture about civics. The lack of functionality of this institution is damaging the country."

"So what do we do? We have to do something, and that brings me back to where I began -- at the budget conference. This budget conference is very important. This isn't one of many conferences that are going on, this is a, I don't want to say a last chance, but it is one of our last chances to show the American people we can govern. It's almost less important what's in the deal than that there be a deal. That the parties show that they can come together, that they can solve a problem…the headline, "Congress passes a budget which President signs" would electrify the country. It would be the most positive thing we could possibly do for the economy."

Source