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Rep. Laura Richardson

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.J. Res. 98 because it is an empty gesture designed to waste time and provide a stage for political posturing.

One hundred and seventy four House Republicans voted for the Budget Control Act in August which raised the federal debt limit and allowed the country to make good on the promises it made to the American people.

Under the Budget Control Act, the debt limit increase that the President is requesting is automatically matched, dollar-for-dollar, by drastic spending cuts that target the poorest among us. Those cuts would hurt the people I represent in California's 37th District, and so I voted against it.

Despite strong opposition from both sides, the Budget Control Act was passed, with a number of useless and unfair provisions, including this disapproval resolution, which lets House Republicans who voted for it in August turn around and withdraw their support.

In this way, they can stand here today and make the same irresponsible arguments that they made last summer. Instead of working together to implement the American Jobs Act which would help create jobs and improve economic growth, they have chosen to squabble over the ability of the President of the United States to do his job.

As ridiculous as it sounds, this is the trick that House Republicans are trying to play. It is entirely symbolic, of course, because if this resolution were to become law, it would result in the first default in U.S. history. A vote for this resolution is a vote against the full faith and credit of the United States and a slap in the face to its citizens.

This kind of behavior is the main reason that Congress has lost the trust of the American people. It creates tremendous uncertainty within the business community and impedes economic growth. It also provides a terrible example to the rest of the world that should be able to look to us for guidance in times of turmoil.

I urge my colleagues to reject this empty legislation and focus on creating a responsible, long-term budget that puts people back to work.