[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 146 (Tuesday, October 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 14, 2013

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, brinksmanship makes 
for poor politics, and defaulting on America's debts will make for a 
poor national economy and a poor global image. It should not be 
understated how devastating defaulting on the debt ceiling would be for 
America's growing economy. A default as a result of political games 
would be even more embarrassing.
  Most games have winners and losers, but if the political games being 
employed by the Republican party cause a default on America's financial 
obligations, everyone loses. To be clear, this is not a game. The 
consequences on the American economy, our country's global image, and 
the lives of all Americans will be very real.
  The Republican government shutdown has illuminated the party's 
willingness to put politics before people. If the Republican political 
brinksmanship causes a default on America's obligations, it will 
demonstrate their willingness to torpedo a growing American economy. 
This brinksmanship must end and we must raise the debt ceiling and 
continue advancing policies that have and will continue to allow our 
economy to grow.

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