[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 147 (Wednesday, October 16, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H6614-H6615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

  (Ms. KUSTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, in New Hampshire and across our country, we 
continue to see how congressional dysfunction is damaging our economy.
  The other day, I had a telephone town hall to talk with my 
constituents about how to end this gridlock. I spoke with Nelson in 
Columbia, New Hampshire, a veteran who fought for our freedom in World 
War II. All he asked is that Republicans and Democrats stop fighting 
with each other.
  If we do not end this shutdown soon, on November 1, veterans like 
Nelson will not receive over $6 billion in pension, education, and 
other benefits they have earned. If we do not act now, we will fail to 
pay our bills and will default on all of our obligations. This is 
obviously unacceptable to the American people and to our economy.
  Every day this shutdown continues is a day that Congress does not 
focus on growing the economy, fostering job creation, and expanding 
opportunity for the middle class.
  It is long past time for Republicans and Democrats to come together, 
and that is why I am proud to be a founding member of United Solutions, 
a group of new Members who is working together and will vote today to 
reopen our government, pay our bills, and move our country forward.

[[Page H6615]]



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