Sequestration is Hurting the American People

Floor Speech

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to how sequestration and the current dysfunction in the House is hurting the American people, our infrastructure, our education, our national security, and our veterans. Sequestration has caused a severe slowdown in our job growth in this country, especially as it affects the middle class.

We have seen reduction of job growth resulting in the potential loss of close to 800,000 American jobs. These are jobs my constituents in Baltimore County region desperately need. Just yesterday my staff met with a constituent from Owings Mills, Maryland, who was laid off from a defense contractor due to sequestration cuts.

The current fiscal year 2016 transportation and housing appropriation bill cuts TIGER grants, which are used to fund critical highway, transit, and important investments, by approximately $400 million. That is less than the fiscal year 2015 level and $1.2 billion less than the President's request. We need this transportation money for jobs. Our infrastructure is failing.

We cannot stay competitive without investment. Sequestration is not the answer. Continuing resolutions are not the answer. Passing the buck is not the answer. It is time for Congress to stop the nip-and-tuck tactics and make tough decisions about our priorities.

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