House Democrats: "We're Fired Up and Ready to Stay"
Sept. 21, 2012--The House is set today to recess through Election Day.  Democrats held a photo op to highlight unfinished business, citing the need to prevent sequestration as well as pass middle class tax cuts, a jobs bills and a farm bill (letter).  "We're fired up and ready to stay," declared Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer.  "Congress should not leave town without passing the middle-class tax cut," said Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn.  Meanwhile, House Republicans argue that they have kept the promises made two years ago in their "Pledge to America," but that "President Obama’s failure to lead" and the Democratic-controlled Senate have blocked progress (press release).  As expected, Congress has put off the difficult work; when Members return for the lame duck session following the November elections, they must an agreement on deficit reduction to avoid the sharp cuts that would be imposed by a sequestration (this is a result of Congress' action back in Aug. 2011).
Below, members of the Democratic leadership Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer, Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn, House Caucus Chairman John B. Larson, [missing photo House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Xavier Becerra], and Budget Committee Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen make remarks.
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