Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023

Floor Speech

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Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, it is amazing how the Republicans can make political drama appear smaller than life: major questions with extremists are reduced to parody and political theater.

We may have averted catastrophe, but it doesn't mean there was not a real cost to America. We should commit to never again allow such political hostage taking. Instead, lay the foundation for using the clear language of the 14th Amendment to avoid the debt ceiling altogether.

We should collect billions of dollars already payable from some of the wealthiest individuals and corporations. It would be a strong signal about the fairness of our tax system.

It is ironic that Republicans are worried about pressing rich people for taxes they already owe, but would subject poor people to more harassment and meaningless paperwork.

We should instead concentrate on changing policies to reduce the deficit. If there will be time limits on benefits, maybe we could start with 20,000 rich farmers who got a million dollars a year or more for 37 consecutive years.

If we act in good faith, it shouldn't be so hard, and America will be the better.

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