[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 18, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H45]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    FRUSTRATION FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS

  (Mr. TONKO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in frustration--frustrated with 
the lack of compassion for the middle class coming out of this body, 
frustrated with the lack of ideas and focus on job creation, and 
frustrated with the continued partisanship and division that have led 
to some of the lowest levels of confidence and trust for this body in 
its history.
  America deserves better than this, Mr. Speaker. One hundred and sixty 
million middle class individuals deserve to have their payroll tax cut 
extended through the end of this year. Those who have lost their jobs 
through no fault of their own deserve to know that they will be able to 
continue to have a lifeline in the time of need. And seniors deserve to 
know that they can visit their doctor of choice without worrying 
whether or not Medicare will cover the visit. America and Americans 
don't deserve more wasted time.
  Instead of a vote today on the debt ceiling, one that is partisan, 
divisive, and ultimately dead on arrival in the other Chamber, we 
should be focusing on jobs and creating jobs and protecting the middle 
class. Think of it: 61 percent of Americans always or usually live 
paycheck-to-paycheck, which has risen from 43 percent in 2007.
  Mr. Speaker, I'm frustrated with the American people being also 
frustrated. It's time this body come together, put politics aside, and 
work on growing jobs.

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