Hoyer: Only Responsible Way Forward is for Republicans and Democrats to Work Together

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) spoke on the House Floor this afternoon calling on House Republican leaders to bring a bill to the Floor to avert the irresponsible sequester. Below are excerpts of his remarks and a link to the video:

Click here to watch the video.

“Budget discipline is absolutely necessary, but damaging job growth and our economy to do so is self-defeating. The only responsible way forward is for Republicans and Democrats to work together to achieve a balanced solution to deficits that can turn off sequestration.”

“House and Senate Democrats have each proposed balanced alternatives that combine smart, targeted cuts in spending and tax expenditures. I would hope the Majority Leader, Mr. [Eric] Cantor, would bring that to the Floor.”

“While many Republicans have been praising the sequester as a viable path forward, Democrats recognize this mindless policy for the danger it is. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, Mr. Speaker, to recognize the sequester's consequences and to work with Democrats to find an alternative, or if that can't be done, to abandon this reckless policy.”

“We only have four days left to go, and our country’s overall well-being depends on it.”