[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 15348]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              DEBT CEILING

  (Ms. FOXX asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, it is a sad truth that our jaw-dropping $16.7 
trillion national debt pales in comparison to the totality of future 
spending obligations the Congressional Budget Office forecasts. A 
change in spending habits and a reform to mandatory spending 
obligations isn't just advisable in this moment; it is absolutely 
essential for America's long-term financial health.
  But meaningful reform is impossible without leadership from the White 
House. Is President Obama willing to lead and enact reforms to make our 
country stronger? It appears not.
  The President has made it no secret that he is loathe to engage in 
bipartisan negotiations regardless of what is at stake--whether it be 
reopening the Federal Government for the American people, or containing 
our debt crisis so our children and grandchildren aren't left to pay 
for previous generations' irresponsibility.
  Refusing to negotiate on the debt ceiling is code for refusing to 
make any changes to reduce future debt.
  Mr. Speaker, as this body knows, it is foolish to take aim at the 
symptom without also treating the disease.

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