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The Democratic Caucus - U.S. House of the Representatives
08/01/2012 | Press release
Larson Floor Speech Calling For Action on Middle Class Tax Cut
distributed by noodls on 08/01/2012 19:26
Larson Floor Speech Calling For Action on Middle Class Tax Cut
WASHINGTON - House Democratic Caucus Chairman John B. Larson (CT) spoke on the House Floor today calling on House Republicans to step up for their constituents and do the right thing for middle class families by passing a middle class tax cut that can be signed into law immediately. Below are his remarks and a video of his speech:
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank our distinguished Leader, as well. This debate today is extraordinarily informative.
"This isn't about Democrats or Republicans. This is about saving and preserving our middle class.
"Lauren Mishkin, from Connecticut said to me recently-a mother who came out to talk about student loans-says, 'When only the rich can follow their dreams, we have a problem.'
"And so here today we face a very clear choice that I think all Americans understand. We should be able to come together as Democrats and Republicans and provide a tax break for everyone up to $250,000.
"Lauren was right: we have a problem.
"A constituent of mine said, 'Why is it that Congress doesn't understand that what they're doing is throwing all of us into the deep abyss of uncertainty?'
"It's that deep abyss of uncertainty that all Americans are concerned about and what they want is us to come together, and we know that we have a bill that has passed the Senate, a bill that the President will sign, a bill that we virtually agree on on both sides of the aisle. So what really frustrates the American citizens and the people in my district is that we can't come together.
"I implore my colleagues on the other side: don't plunge us further into this dark abyss. Do the things that the wealthy amongst us have more than the ability to shoulder and make sure that we all come together as Americans and do the right thing on behalf of our constituents.
"That's what the Lauren Mishkin's want. That's the kind of the dream that we need to provide for all American citizens. And that's what this country desperately needs is a Congress that will take leadership.
"There are times when you need to step aside and there are times when you need to step up. We need to step up as a Congress and pass this Democratic alternative."
