[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 4, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H6521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    URGING SENATE ACTION ON A BUDGET

  (Mr. KELLY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. KELLY. ``I cannot believe you guys put yourselves behind the 
eight ball.'' Well, that's what my football coaches used to say 
whenever our team botched a play or missed an opportunity to win a 
game.
  As we mark 888 days since the Senate has passed a budget, I'd like to 
say to our friends over in the Senate: I can't believe you folks have 
put the American people behind the eight ball.
  Without a long-term budget, you can't run a business, you can't run 
family finances, and you sure as heck can't run a government. Passing a 
budget is one of the most basic legislative responsibilities Congress 
has, and the Senate leadership has not only punted on this, they've 
taken a knee.
  Leadership isn't about sitting on the sidelines, it's about having 
the courage to run the play. My colleagues in the House and I are 
calling on Senator Reid to run the play. Pass a budget. Pass the pro-
growth bills we've already gotten through the House and help get 
America out from behind the eight ball.
  The American people have waited 888 days to see a budget come out of 
the Senate. And while the Senate is taking its good old time, the 
American people are taking it on the chin. With constant threats of 
shutdowns and slowdowns over continuing resolutions, we've had enough.
  Mr. Reid, please do your job. Pass a budget.


                Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bass of New Hampshire). The Chair will 
remind Members to direct their remarks to the Chair.

                          ____________________