[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 7 (Thursday, January 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E47]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         DISAPPROVAL RESOLUTION RELATING TO DEBT LIMIT INCREASE

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                               speech of

                        HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 18, 2012

  Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H.J. Res. 98 disapproving of President Obama's request to increase the 
statutory debt limit of the United States. Though, I voted against the 
original bill authorizing this request, the Budget Control Act, I stand 
firmly in opposition to any increase in the debt limit and have been 
opposed in increases since 2005.
  Madam Speaker, reckless spending is crushing our economy. It must 
stop and we cannot continue to give a blank check with no strings 
attached to the powers that be. These powers, Republican and Democrat 
alike, have spent this country in to a fiscal catastrophe.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to eliminate duplicative 
programs, wasteful spending, and reforming the way Congress does 
business. For example, I have recently introduced the Citizen 
Legislator Act and the Biennial Budgeting Act. These bills are starting 
the dialogue to create the fundamental changes so desperately needed in 
Washington as demanded by our constituents. Congress must be honest 
with itself and honest with the American people when discussing the 
defining issue of our time.-

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