[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 17, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7916-S7917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PRIORITIES DURING LAMEDUCK SESSION

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, both Republicans and Democrats in the 
Senate held many meetings this week to assess the priorities of our 
respective conferences.
  I am extremely proud of the clarity my Republican colleagues have 
used to express what our priorities must be and

[[Page S7917]]

that we have listened to the American people. Last night, Republicans 
expressed the need to cut spending, reduce the debt, shrink the size 
and scope of the Federal Government, and help spur private sector 
employment--in short, change the way Washington is doing business to 
get our economy going again.
  There is no question that is a sentiment shared by the American 
people. I would be remiss if I did not also express some dismay with 
the priorities that are being put forward on the other side of the 
aisle.
  This is a lameduck session, and they have an opportunity to respond 
to the American people before we convene for the 112th Congress, but 
there is no reason why we cannot get to work on their behalf beginning 
today.
  Let me share with you what I believe our priorities need to be during 
the lameduck session: first and foremost, preventing massive tax 
increases on families and small businesses and stopping the Washington 
spending spree. It is critical we send a message to job creators that 
Congress will not raise taxes on January 1.
  In September, I offered a bill that would make the current tax rates 
permanent. In other words, nobody--nobody--in America would get a tax 
hike at the end of the year. The White House did not like that idea. 
Their preference was to raise taxes on small businesses. I think it is 
safe to say the American people clearly preferred our proposal: no tax 
hikes on anybody, especially in the middle of a recession. We should be 
creating jobs, not killing them.
  It is my hope that starting today Democrats will turn to the 
priorities that reflect the wishes of the American people. If they 
choose that route, I know Republicans will be happy to work with them 
to get those things accomplished. If not, I am confident Republicans 
will be eager to chart a different course on behalf of the American 
people.
  When we return from the Thanksgiving break, Republican and Democratic 
leaders will have an opportunity to discuss these priorities with the 
President in a meeting at the White House. I am looking forward to the 
meeting and to the opportunity to share with the President again the 
areas where we agree. I believe we can work together to increase 
opportunities for job growth here at home through increased trade 
opportunities abroad. I agree with the President that we should 
increase our exploration for clean coal technology and nuclear energy, 
and Americans feel strongly that we need to reduce spending and our 
national debt.
  We can work together on all those items, and the White House meeting 
is a good opportunity for congressional Democrats to join us in those 
efforts.
  I yield the floor.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Illinois is 
recognized.

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