[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 185 (Thursday, December 10, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H14450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             WALL STREET REFORM AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

  (Mr. HEINRICH asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. Speaker, when I took office back in January, the 
economy was on the verge of collapse. We've taken some tough votes this 
year to promote a strong economic recovery, and we're beginning to see 
some signs that the economy is turning around. But to avoid this sort 
of economic crisis from happening again, we need to rein in the Wall 
Street banks that brought us to this point and begin to make Washington 
more responsible.
  The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act will prevent risky 
dealings by Wall Street and begin an end to the days of taxpayer-funded 
bailouts. At the same time, this bill ensures that small banks and 
credit unions, which play a key role in their communities, are not 
subject to undue regulatory burdens.
  We must bring an end to the era of irresponsible and recklessness on 
Wall Street. Our country's working families, our small businesses are 
playing by the rules. It's time that Wall Street must learn to do the 
same.
  I would urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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