Date: 2011-12-16
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank the gentleman from California. I think his presence on the floor indicates our bipartisanship and thank him for raising those comments about Christopher and our knowledge about him as well. Let me also indicate my concern and sympathy to his family. That speaks to my point of coming together and being able to share and yield to a gentleman from the other party. As I do so. I would indicate thats how we should go forward as we come back to vote positively on the payroll tax extension next week and stay here until it is done and. of course. the unemployment insurance. but going forward in 2012 to answer some of the cries of many of those who have taken to our streets throughout America who have asked us about jobs. the Occupy Movement. that have been just Americans. I just call them Americans. who have taken up the constitutional privilege of petitioning their government. Mr. Speaker. I want to make a commitment that our work will be focused on action and make the second part of the 112th Congress equal to what we did in the 111th with pay parity. with the GI Bill. with the affordable health care bill. and so many other items that were so valuable to this country. and when I say that. legislative initiatives. Let me also say to the American public and our local communities. I know you think someone else is calling or emailing. but this is what democracy is all about. We want to hear from you on these issues of how we come together. not how we come together. but the importance of doing so and working on issues and whether or not you appreciate the concept of where there is benefit. there is burden. there is sacrifice. whether or not you think its important that there are not homeless veterans or soldiers who are coming back who cant work. whether or not we want to encourage our corporations that have this massive cash on hand to realize what a wonderful. patriotic Nation that they live in. and to be able to work and ensure that we have the ability to do the job that is necessary to be done. I know that Mr. HOYER was coming to the floor. so let me just say to Mr. HOYER. who will be coming to you in just awhile to. again. assure the working people of America that this Congress will have the payroll tax extended and the President will sign it as we note that he has said every day that he wants to sign it and will sign it. Let me say to the unemployed. I know that the unemployment insurance allows you to pay your mortgage and to pay your rent and to pay your necessities. but let me say to you that we are looking to create jobs. more jobs in America. And I expect to be introducing legislation that will help the energy industry reduce the deficit. repair our coastal waters and our ecosystems. make sure that we are responding to the loss of wetlands and the deterioration by hurricanes that have come on that gulf region there to restore the healthy fishing waters but. as well. to develop our natural gas and the ability to utilize the present expiration that generates resources for the American people. This is a season of giving. and I only want that America be known as a benevolent Nation. but strong and powerful in her values and. of course. respecting her military. but the military. based upon a civilianled government that focuses on democracy. equality. and justice. And I say to my colleagues. lets come back here next week to finish our job. but 2012. let it be the no namecalling session. Let us focus on what we do for others. what we do for Americans. and let it not be as a progressive or a conservative. but let it be as an American. Thats the call for this Nation: to come and stand as an American. Mr. Speaker. it has been my privilege to share my thoughts with my colleagues. and I hope that as this legislation will be signed by the President. although it has had a very difficult journey. and I would have wanted a more expanded debate. we are glad that we are serving America. Let us be prepared to roll up our sleeves to do so in the coming early days of 2012. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker. and I yield back the balance of my time.