Let's Find a Better Way Forward

Floor Speech

Mr. RIGELL. Mr. Speaker, what do we know with certainty about the bill which passed the Senate? We know it has bipartisan support, and that's encouraging. I'm a Republican who has been making the case that revenues must rise. This bill does that; and if it becomes law, it provides some certainty to our Tax Code, which would surely help our economy.

Yet, Mr. Speaker, we also know with certainty that it fails to address the mortal threat facing our country--uncontrolled spending. It fails to reflect the balanced approach that was advocated by our President. So we find ourselves again with a bill that reflects not financial wisdom but the seductive spirit that pervades this town. The time to confront our spending addiction is not now. It's later, they say--we'll do the right thing then.

In lacking knowledge, political courage--or both--leaders in Washington continue to overpromise. They're like salespeople who tell their customers they can have a $30,000 car but only pay $18,000 for it. Who doesn't like that deal? The truth--and what we know with certainty--is that the full cost, indeed, will be paid by their children, the next generation of Americans.

There is a better way forward, Mr. Speaker, for Americans. Let's find it.

Source