[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 26, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             SEQUESTRATION

  (Mr. SCHNEIDER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, we are just days away from an $85 billion 
sequester that will result in arbitrary, devastating cuts to our 
Federal Government.
  Despite the looming deadline, this House has not debated any 
alternative to protect programs that benefit this country's most 
vulnerable populations--our seniors, our students, and our middle 
class. Our fiscal house may be in disarray, but targeted decisions, not 
wholesale cuts, are needed.
  This is the opportunity to come together--for both sides to roll up 
their sleeves and find a way forward. This is the moment to take a 
balanced, measured approach to deficit reduction that reduces spending 
thoughtfully and increases revenue responsibly. I know there is common 
ground between the sides; but it won't be found unless, together, 
Democrats and Republicans get to the table and prevent these across-
the-board, irresponsible cuts. No two programs are the same, and no 
difficult decision should be made without thoughtful deliberation. 
There is no excuse for not sitting down and bridging the gap. 
Hardworking families everywhere are counting on it.
  I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 699, a balanced bill to 
replace the sequester with spending cuts and revenues.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. As the Chair previously advised, that 
request cannot be entertained absent appropriate clearance.

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