[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 140 (Wednesday, October 9, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H6424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             AN ADULT CONVERSATION ABOUT FIXING OUR ECONOMY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from West 
Virginia (Mr. McKinley) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, the President and his allies claim that 
the shutdown of government is about one thing--a Republican obsession 
with ObamaCare.
  Mr. Speaker, they are missing the point completely.
  For the past 3 years, the House has been working to improve our 
economy, to create private sector jobs, and to address barriers that 
inhibit economic growth. ObamaCare, unfortunately, has emerged as one 
of the largest challenges standing in the way of job creation: workers 
are having their hours cut; families and businesses are facing higher 
premiums; employers aren't expanding because of the uncertainty.
  Fixing the health care law would have the quickest impact on the 
economy; but, in fairness, we can't do that unless the other side sits 
down and talks to us. Thus far, the Senate and the President have 
rejected all efforts of the House and refuse to negotiate.
  Mr. Speaker, this debate should be about caring for the American 
people, their futures, and the liberties we share in America. We want 
to reopen the government and help families find jobs, but that requires 
that the House and the Senate and the President sit down together and 
have an adult conversation about fixing our economy.

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