Rep. Jackson Calls for Real Compromise on Spending

Press Release

Today, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. spoke on the floor of the House about the lack of compromise in the most recent Republican spending proposal. He also made a motion to adjourn the House, which would require all Members to come to the floor to vote. The intention is to give Members the opportunity to talk on the floor and hash out a real compromise to prevent a government shutdown.

Congressman Jackson's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below:

"Mr. Speaker, yesterday my Republican colleagues introduced a continuing resolution that would increase the defense budget for the entire year, while funding the rest of the government for just one week and drastically cutting just about every other vital program.

That's no compromise. For months, the Republicans have said that as we reduce spending, everyone has to take a haircut - including the Department of Defense. But now, the Republicans propose increasing military spending.

The Republicans claim that they want to fund the government for the rest of the year. But this bill is for one week - and with drastic cuts to programs that serve the most vulnerable.

Mr. Speaker, if you say one thing, and then do another, that's not negotiating in good faith. That's not a real compromise. In fact, the Washington Post reported that at a Republican caucus meeting this week, the possibility of a shutdown was greeted with cheers and applause. They WANT a shutdown.

Over 13 million Americans are unemployed. They don't have time for this. And we shouldn't be wasting the time and resources they give us.

So if the Republicans won't compromise at the negotiating table, maybe we should get everyone down here to the floor to talk things over. Mr. Speaker, I move that the house do now adjourn."

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