[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 61 (Friday, May 3, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E585-E586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ONE-MINUTE REMARK OF SEQUESTRATION/BUDGET CONFERENCE

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 3, 2013

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, for the first time in years, Congress is 
poised to pass a budget that the American people deserve--one that 
reflects our nation's values, invests in jobs and economic growth, 
pursues balanced deficit reduction, and strengthens the middle class.
  The House and Senate acted on two competing proposals last month, but 
these plans have languished because the Republican Leadership refuses 
to appoint conferees. Why? Perhaps consensus would have to be reached.
  Back in the real world, $85 billion in indiscriminate cuts from 
sequestration continue to take their toll on our national security, 
health, and economic growth.
  The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office projects 750,000 jobs 
will be lost from sequestration in this year alone. This alarming 
projection is proving to be reality with headlines from across the 
country citing jobs lost in

[[Page E586]]

defense, research, healthcare, education, tourism--the list goes on and 
on.
  Nearly a hundred thousand Head Start slots are facing elimination. 
Cuts to housing vouchers for 140,000 low-income families have begun. 
Unemployment benefits have been cut by 11 percent for millions of 
unemployed workers.
  Is this the America we come here to shape and serve? I don't.
  It's time for Congress to complete the job of producing a budget. 
There's no reason to stop the conference process in its tracks when our 
constituents, our families, and our middle class have demanded a 
reasonable, responsible budget that advances their interests and 
strengthens our economy.
  Let's set aside partisan political games, halt backroom talks and 
unnecessary delays, and engage in a full, open, transparent debate 
about our priorities and the path forward for our budget and our 
country.

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