Jim Cooper

Mr. COOPER

Mr. COOPER. I thank the gentlelady for yielding. This is a completely bipartisan measure, and I hope that we have an overwhelming vote in support of it. The Freedom to Fish Act is a very responsible piece of legislation put forward in the Senate by my colleague, Senator Lamar Alexander. In the hearing on the Senate side, Senator Feinstein pointed out to the Army Corps of Engineers' witness how reasonable Senator Alexander was trying to be, how reasonable this approach was. So I think we can say with some certainty that this is something that should be overwhelmingly supported by this House. For my colleagues, the Cumberland River is perhaps unknown to you. It's a beautiful river. Every elected official that I'm aware of in our area, Democrat and Republican, supports this legislation. Safety is an issue, but so is overreaching by our friends at the Corps. Occasionally they're a little bit tone deaf, especially if they get transferred in and out a little bit too quickly. This is an amazing little way to fish here, below the dams. Some of you not realizing, you think fish is this big or this big. Some of these fish are 30 and 40 pounds. This is a magnificent recreational resource that has been unfairly harmed by proposed Corps actions and by, really, an official who will be soon moving away from our area and living in another part of the country. He's a fine gentleman, but this is an opportunity for us to reclaim our local rights, our traditions, our freedom to fish. I would urge colleagues on both sides of the aisle to have a little common sense here. Support S. 982. It's a very reasonable approach to trying to solve this problem, solving this dispute with the Corps. Support S. 982.

Mr. COOPER

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for rollcall votes #144, #145, and #146 on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. I was attending a funeral. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all three votes.

Mr. COOPER

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I'm opposed to the rule, and I'm opposed to the Pay China First bill. It is my understanding that they've added something, I think it's called the Camp amendment, that would make sure that Members of Congress are not paid if the Nation, in fact, defaults. This borrows an idea that I introduced back in the summer of 2011, H.R. 2653. We had a number of bipartisan cosponsors. I'm worried, though, that despite imitation being the sincerest form of flattery they've diluted this concept to make it unconstitutional. Due to the 27th Amendment, it is unconstitutional to adjust Member pay during a session. We had it drafted so that Members would be paid last, which would pretty much ensure that we would not be paid. Perhaps they've corrected the drafting on their side. They've also done this to me once before this year. They took our no budget-no pay idea that the No Labels group had sponsored, which has now become law, but they took out the heart of it. Right now, we should be having a House-Senate conference since both Houses have finally passed legislation. The Senate being the laggard, now after 4 years, they've finally passed a budget, but now we're refusing to conference the budget. I am a believer in pay-for-performance. The American taxpayers are not getting their money's worth from today's Congress. They should be getting their money's worth, and I think these concepts about penalizing Congress when we fail to do our job are very powerful concepts; but they should be given full strength, not diluted and unconstitutional treatment in a quicky amendment such as is being offered here. The core idea of pay-for-performance I hope that more of my colleagues will look at because Congress does many things right, and we should be rewarded for that. We fail in many ways, and we should be penalized for that. Today, sadly, the only people in America who are not able to pay Congress by performance are the taxpayers. Those special interests are paying us by performance all the time whether in PAC contributions or in post-retirement job opportunities. That is one reason this Congress is not performing to full capability. It is one reason we are not living up to our potential. So, as we look at this concept, at this Camp amendment, please let's do it right. Please, let's make sure that Congress is not paid for failure.

Mr. COOPER

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders, a group of 80 Americans who claimed their place in history on April 18, 1942, when they carried out the first U.S. air raid on Japanese Home Islands during World War II. I am proud to share their story here today, and I am especially proud to represent one of the four living raiders, Nashvillian LTC Robert Hite. Though not originally from the Volunteer State, LTC Robert Hite and his 79 fellow raiders epitomized the Volunteer spirit when they signed up for their death-defying mission. Their goals were to break the air of invincibility radiated by Japanese forces as they extended their reach across the Pacific Ocean and to give Americans the win they needed after the dark months following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The United States needed something dramatic to turn the tide of the war. The Doolittle Raiders delivered. They launched from an aircraft carrier, knowing they would not have enough fuel to return. They displayed uncommon valor and patriotism, and inspired Americans both abroad and at home. Their courageous flight proved that Japan was vulnerable to attack, changing the course of the war--and of history. Please join me in honoring these extraordinary gentlemen and true American heroes.

Mr. COOPER

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker I rise today to pay tribute to Charlie Daniels, a Tennessean who, through his dedication to supporting our military, has touched the lives of countless servicemembers, veterans and their families. As an American entertainer, he needs no introduction. As an advocate for our military, he has no equal. Daniels unites his devotion to those serving our country with his passion for music by visiting our troops wherever they may be stationed around the world to perform concerts at military bases. In recent years, he has teamed with Lipscomb University in Nashville to salute those who serve through his annual ``Scholarship for Heroes'' tour. This concert raises awareness and funds for Lipscomb University's Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Program, through which the university offers a tuition-free college education to post-9/11 veterans. His support has helped the school grow its veteran student attendance from 10 to 182 in just over three years. Today, I join the citizens of my district in honoring Charlie Daniels for his tireless commitment to honoring those who serve and working to ensure that though freedom isn't free, an education for our veterans should be.

Mr. COOPER

Mr. COOPER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support No Budget, No Pay. The idea behind No Budget, No Pay came from a Nashvillian who approached me two years ago and said, ``I don't get paid if I don't do my job, and do it on time. Why should Congress be any different?'' I agreed, and I introduced No Budget, No Pay in 2011 during the last Congress with the help of the important non-partisan reform group No Labels. I reintroduced the bill, H.R. 310, last Friday, with 48 original cosponsors, 19 Democrats and 29 Republicans. The purpose of No Budget, No Pay is to get Congress to do its essential budgeting work on time. This means pay-for-performance, a new concept here on Capitol Hill. Getting the job done on time is a fundamental American principle yet one that has been forgotten in our nation's Capitol. Our No Budget, No Pay proposal aligns incentives of elected officials with those of our citizens back home so that we will start completing our work on time in order to get paid. The purpose of this bill is not punishment, but performance. We are in an interesting parliamentary situation today because, after stonewalling by both political parties, the Republican Party has now, suddenly and without hearings, adopted a diluted version of No Budget, No Pay for immediate floor consideration. Thankfully, the Democratic Party has decided not to make this a partisan issue, freeing members to vote as their conscience tells them. I am not defending Republican floor procedures, or the modifications they made to my bill. But the important point is that reform of Congress is long overdue, and this is the way to start, with a new type of reform that brings Congress back in line with the values and the work ethic of the American people. No work, no pay. No budget, no pay.

Mr. COOPER

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to George Langstaff, a man whose dedication to mentoring economically disadvantaged students in Middle Tennessee has resulted in more than 340 students obtaining a post-high school education. After a very successful career in the footwear industry, Mr. Langstaff recognized the need to help at-risk young adults obtain a college education. In 1995, he partnered with a Nashville nonprofit to found The Sponsors Scholarship Program. To date, the program that Mr. Langstaff established has raised more than $2.2 million dedicated to scholarships for financially disadvantaged young people. For more than 15 years, The Sponsors Scholarship Program and its hundreds of volunteers have provided college counseling, mentoring and college scholarships to capable high school students in Middle Tennessee. Today, I join the citizens of my district in honoring George Langstaff for his tireless commitment to ensuring that financially challenged young people from Middle Tennessee have the opportunity obtain a complete education. We need more citizens like George Langstaff. His Volunteer spirit makes all Tennesseans proud, and a generation of young people successful.

Mr. COOPER

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to salute the Nashville International Airport, an ambassador for Music City. On June 12, 1937, Nashville's airport officially opened as Berry Field in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator for the Works Progress Administration. It became a military base during World War II for the 4th Ferrying Command, and later returned to passenger service with rapid growth and high demand. In 1988, it was renamed the Nashville International Airport to reflect its new status as a hub for Tennessee air transportation. Over the years, BNA has evolved into a state-of-the-art facility connecting the Nashville area with the rest of the world serving nearly 10 million passengers a year. As a leader in airport innovation, BNA was one of the first commercial airports to have a master plan and is now one of twelve airports in the FAA's Sustainable Master Plan Pilot Program. BNA is not just an airport, it's an experience. It welcomes visitors with gracious southern hospitality and country twang. Its unique design offers a taste of Music City with live music, shops and restaurants showcasing our Tennessee flavor. It not only provides excellent service to its customers and employees, it is an important partner in our community. And so, Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to salute the Nashville International Airport for its 75 years of dedicated service to our citizens and our community, and for promoting higher standards in airport service. I am grateful for the contributions BNA provides not only to Nashville, but to travelers around the world.

Mr. COOPER

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for rollcall vote No. 249 today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. COOPER

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the World War II veterans who have flown to Washington DC today from Nashville, TN with Music City Honor Flight. This Honor Flight is part of a nationwide effort to bring as many World War II veterans as possible to the memorial created here in honor of their service and in honor of the fallen. Through their selflessness, these brave men and women who served in World War II saved our country and changed the course of history. We can never adequately repay them for their sacrifice. Whether Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, or Coast Guardsmen, they heroically served their Nation during our time of greatest need. It is my high privilege to welcome them to the Nation's Capital. I am proud to read into the Congressional Record the names of each of these distinguished veterans so that they can be recognized for their brave service and so that the Congress of the United States of America can express its gratitude. Orville Jerome Aasen, Lyttleton C. Anderson Jr., Clarence Arand, James L. Bass, James B. Batey, Jr., Douglas Beard, Dempsie G. Binkley, Winston Bowling, Eugene W. Brock, Charles J. Brown, Edward L. Buquo, Roger L. Burgess, Hugh Lafayette Callens, Russell M. Campbell, Frank A. Cantwell, James W. Carroll, Francis A. Centimole, Robert E. Chadwell, James Robert Clower, Alfred Damon Corley, James D. Craig, Fred M. Creasy, Rayford H. Danley, James L. Davis, Gerald Alvin Davis, Lloyd F. Driver, James W. Duke, Edward Eugene Durham, Lloyd C. Fisher, David Ray Fussell, Murray O. Fussell, Charles H. Gannon, Gerald Allen Gilman, Harry R. Guttridge, Herald D. Hackett, Thomas Hall Jr., Jones B. Hamlett, Wesley W. Harmon, Jackson Harris, Samuel A. Harris, William J. Harvey, Eldon H. Hatcher Jr., Harley Walter Heilman, Irvan Hardeman Hendon, Wayne Hill, Vernard E. Hixson, Leonard Hollender, Edward L. Holton, Lawrence H. Horn, Edward W. Hudson, Robert W. Hull, Nathaniel B. Johnson Jr., Robert C. Jones, Clinton D. Keel, John W. King, James Fowler Lancaster, Earl Eugene Lerch, George Lukon, Nelson Lyne, Dock H. Lyons, Joseph O. Maddux, Harry Eugene Margrave, Carl M. Martin, Henry C. McCall, Jr., Carl E. Meeks, Ledlie J. Miller Jr., Charles A. Mitchell, Dr. John Myers, Robert M. Nabors Jr., James J. Panipinto, Andrew S. Parker, Baxter Lewis Perry, David M. Pettus, Carlos F. Plott, W H Reeves, Samuel Ralph Rehorn, Eugene R. Rhue, Clarence Richards, Robert McCulloch Rock, Elmer Julius Sager, David Y. Sharpe, Milton Shearer, Robert Love Simpson, William Paul Sitton, Fred L. Stacey, John E. Stephens, Robert Merrill Stoops, Harry Richard Sturm, Glenn Swanson, James F. Tacker, Jr., Denison Taylor, W. Glenn Tinsley, Jess Titus, Glenn Tompkins, Eddie G. Wall, James E. Waugaman, Robert Conway Wilhite, Ross Williams, William E. Wingo, Henry C. Winstead, Talmadge R. Woodall, Charles Richard Zartman.

Mr. COOPER

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the World War II veterans who are flying to Washington, DC., today from Nashville, TN with Music City Honor Flight. This Honor Flight is part of a nation-wide effort to bring as many World War II veterans as possible to the memorial created here in honor of their service and in memorial of their fallen peers. Through their selflessness, the brave men and women who served in World War II protected our country and changed the course of history. We can never adequately thank them for their great sacrifice. Whether Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, or Coast Guardsman, they heroically stood up for their Nation during a turbulent time of great need. It is my great privilege to welcome them to the Nation's Capital and to honor them here today. I am proud to present the names of these distinguished veterans so that they can be recognized for their brave service and so my colleagues and I can express our gratitude. Orville Jerome Aasen, Lyttleton C. Anderson Jr., Clarence Arand, James L. Bass, James B. Batey Jr., Douglas Beard, Dempsie G. Binkley, Winston Bowling, Eugene W. Brock, Charles J. Brown, Edward L. Buquo, Roger L. Burgess, Hugh Lafayette Callens, Russell M. Campbell, Frank A. Cantwell, James W. Carroll, Francis A. Centimole, Robert E. Chadwell, James Robert Clower, Alfred Damon Corley, James D. Craig, Fred M. Creasy, Rayford H. Danley, James L. Davis, Gerald Alvin Davis, Lloyd F. Driver, James W. Duke, Edward Eugene Durham, Lloyd C. Fisher, David Ray Fussell, Murray O. Fussell, Charles H. Gannon, Gerald Allen Gilman, Harry R. Guttridge, Herald D. Hackett, Thomas Hall Jr., Jones B. Hamlett, Wesley W. Harmon, Jackson Harris, Samuel A. Harris, William J. Harvey, Eldon H. Hatcher Jr., Harley Walter Heilman, Irvan Hardeman Hendon, Wayne Hill, Vernard E. Hixson, Leonard Hollender, Edward L. Holton, Lawrence H. Horn, Edward W. Hudson, Robert W. Hull, Nathaniel B. Johnson Jr., Robert C. Jones, Clinton D. Keel, John W. King, James Fowler Lancaster, Earl Eugene Lerch, George Lukon, Nelson Lyne, Dock H. Lyons, Joseph O. Maddux, Harry Eugene Margrave, Carl M. Martin, Henry C. McCall, Jr., Carl E. Meeks, Ledlie J. Miller Jr., Charles A. Mitchell, Dr. John Myers, Robert M. Nabors Jr., James J. Panipinto, Andrew S. Parker, Baxter Lewis Perry, David M. Pettus, Carlos F. Plott, W H Reeves, Samuel Ralph Rehorn, Eugene R. Rhue, Clarence Richards, Robert McCulloch Rock, Elmer Julius Sager, David Y. Sharpe, Milton Shearer, Robert Love Simpson, William Paul Sitton, Fred L. Stacey, John E. Stephens, Robert Merrill Stoops, Harry Richard Sturm, Glenn Swanson, James F. Tacker Jr., Denison Taylor, W. Glenn Tinsley, Jess Titus, Glenn Tompkins, Eddie G. Wall, James E. Waugaman, Robert Conway Wilhite, Ross Williams, William E. Wingo, Henry C. Winstead, Talmadge R. Woodall, Charles Richard Zartman.

Mr. COOPER

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the World War II veterans who are flying to Washington, DC today from Nashville, TN, with Music City Honor Flight. This Honor Flight is part of a nationwide effort to bring as many World War II veterans as possible to the memorial created here in honor of their service and in memorial of their fallen peers. Through their selflessness, the brave men and women who served in World War II protected our country and changed the course of history. We can never adequately thank them for their great sacrifice. Whether Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, or Coast Guardsman, they heroically stood up for their Nation during a turbulent time of great need. It is my great privilege to welcome them the Nation's Capital and to honor them here today. I am proud to present the names of these distinguished veterans so that they can be recognized for their brave service and so my colleagues and I can express our gratitude. Orville Jerome Aasen; Lyttleton C. Anderson, Jr.; Clarence Arand; James L. Bass, James B. Batey, Jr.; Douglas Beard; Dempsie G. Binkley; Winston Bowling; Eugene W. Brock; Charles J. Brown; Edward L. Buquo; Roger L. Burgess; Hugh Lafayette Callens; Russell M. Campbell; Frank A. Cantwell; James W. Carroll; Francis A. Centimole; Robert E. Chadwell; James Robert Clower; Alfred Damon Corley; James D. Craig; Fred M. Creasy; Rayford H. Danley; James L. Davis; Gerald Alvin Davis; Lloyd F. Driver; James W. Duke; Edward Eugene Durham; Lloyd C. Fisher; David Ray Fussell; Murray O. Fussell; Charles H. Gannon; Gerald Allen Gilman; Harry R. Guttridge; Herald D. Hackett; Thomas Hall, Jr.; Jones B. Hamlett; Wesley W. Harmon; Jackson Harris; Samuel A. Harris; William J. Harvey; Eldon H. Hatcher, Jr.; Harley Walter Heilman; Irvan Hardeman Hendon; Wayne Hill; Vernard E. Hixson; Leonard Hollender; Edward L. Holton; Lawrence H. Horn; Edward W. Hudson; Robert W. Hull; Nathaniel B. Johnson, Jr.; Robert C. Jones; Clinton D. Keel; John W. King; James Fowler Lancaster; Earl Eugene Lerch; George Lukon; Nelson Lyne; Dock H. Lyons; Joseph O. Maddux; Harry Eugene Margrave; Carl M. Martin; Henry C. McCall, Jr.; Carl E. Meeks; Ledlie J. Miller, Jr.; Charles A. Mitchell; Dr. John Myers; Robert M. Nabors, Jr.; James J. Panipinto; Andrew S. Parker; Baxter Lewis Perry; David M. Pettus; Carlos F. Plott; W.H. Reeves; Samuel Ralph Rehorn; Eugene R. Rhue; Clarence Richards; Robert McCulloch Rock; Elmer Julius Sager; David Y. Sharpe; Milton Shearer; Robert Love Simpson; William Paul Sitton; Fred L. Stacey; John E. Stephens; Robert Merrill Stoops; Harry Richard Sturm; Glenn Swanson; James F. Tacker, Jr.; Denison Taylor; W. Glenn Tinsley; Jess Titus; Glenn Tompkins; Eddie G. Wall; James E. Waugaman; Robert Conway Wilhite; Ross Williams; William E. Wingo; Henry C. Winstead; Talmadge R. Woodall; Charles Richard Zartman.

Mr. COOPER

Mr. COOPER. I thank the gentlelady for yielding. Unfortunately, this is one of the most partisan weeks in Washington as each side presents its own budget. I urge Members to weigh these budgets very carefully. Unfortunately, we have very little time to do so. The entire debate for the Republican and Democrat budgets is some 4 hours. There will be many alternative budgets presented. The one that I am most interested in, the Simpson-Bowles-endorsed budget, will come up later tonight, which is a big schedule change since it hadn't been expected until tomorrow. We will have a total of 10 minutes to explain the only bipartisan budget that will be offered. There are six or seven budgets being offered, but there is only one that is bipartisan. There are many excellent features in the Democratic budget and in the Republican budget, but there is only one that has the support of folks on both sides of the aisle. I hope that Members choose carefully even in this, the most partisan of weeks, because it's almost a David versus Goliath situation when you have 10 minutes versus 4 hours. I hope that Members will look at the details of these budgets and will realize that hidden in the details are lots of massive changes to lots of massive programs. Yet, if we don't let ideology control, if we look at the basics and realize that America does have a deficit and debt problem, as the White House acknowledges and as our Republican friends acknowledge, if we respect each other and understand that we have to have real revenues and entitlement reform, there is still really only one plan that offers both. I did not originate it, but I'm thankful that Simpson and Bowles, with their report of a year and a half ago, introduced such a plan. Tonight, later in the debate, in an hour or two, Members will have the first opportunity in either the House or the Senate to consider that. So these are very important issues that we're facing. I wish it were not a David and Goliath sort of situation. It's almost like David versus two Goliaths, because the institutional infrastructure in Washington supporting either the Republican budget or the Democratic budget is massive. I think that once you look at the fundamentals, you see that there has got to be a way in which Americans can work together. The folks I hear from back home--and I assume it's true in every State--want us to stop the partisan bickering and want to us work together. I am thankful that our Republican friends allowed the Simpson-Bowles bipartisan budget to be considered, but for Members to only have 10 minutes of debate to consider it is going to be very difficult. So I'm hopeful that Members, as they're sitting in their offices tonight, as they're interrupting their dinners, as they're contemplating these issues, will focus not only on the important Joint Economic Committee issues that have been raised by both sides this evening but that they will also focus on the details of the budgets they're about to vote on. We had anticipated that the vote on the Simpson-Bowles alternative would be tomorrow morning, which is what we had been told, but an hour or so ago, they suddenly had a change of plans. We feel that we're gaining momentum, and I think that's evidenced by the fact that most folks of the interest groups in Washington are gearing up to either support us or to oppose us, so I think that Members should weigh their decisions tonight very carefully.

Mr. COOPER. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Chairman, a further unanimous consent request. I would like to yield half of my time, 7\1/2\ minutes, to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).

Mr. COOPER. I would like to make a unanimous consent request. I believe that we've agreed to divide the time in a different way. I would like to yield to the gentleman, my friend from Wisconsin.

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I have the honor tonight of representing the budget that is endorsed by Simpson and Bowles. This is the only bipartisan budget that the House of Representatives will be able to consider in this budget cycle. This is the first time that a Simpson-Bowles budget has been allowed on the floor of the House or the Senate. This is a historic night, and I hope that Members will appreciate this opportunity. This is one of the most partisan weeks in Washington, and this is the only bipartisan way to solve the Nation's problems. This is the only budget that has a chance of getting through both the House and the Senate. I hope Members will appreciate this opportunity. Members have expressed interest, but in this partisan week, we've been hammered by forces on both the left and the right, people who do not want America to solve its problems in a sensible and fair manner. To illustrate what we're doing here, the Wall Street Journal today had a graph of the different budget alternatives. The top line here is assuming current policies. It is clear trouble for the Nation because we're not reducing the deficit. The blue line here is the White House budget, which makes considerable progress in solving our problems. The bottom line here is the GOP plan, which is tough and completely partisan. There's not a single Democrat in the country that will support that. So it's a budget to nowhere. It's a bridge to nowhere. In between the White House budget and the GOP plan is the bipartisanship proposal, the Simpson-Bowles-endorsed budget. It's very tough on deficits, it gets the job done, and it gets the job done in a bipartisan fashion. I hope my colleagues will focus on this budget alternative. We have precious few minutes to debate this, a total of 15 minutes, when the other side had 4 hours. This is a David versus Goliath situation. But I hope not only Members of this body will pay attention, but the public back home, because they want us to solve our problems in a peaceable and fair fashion. They're tired of political bickering. We have the chance in this House tonight to stop the political bickering and pass a good, tough, and fair budget for America. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to my good friend, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Chairman, I would now like to yield 1 minute to my friend, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), who actually helped me with the original Cooper-Wolf legislation that helped spawn the Simpson-Bowles Commission.

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Chairman, if no one else is seeking time, I would like to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to my friend from Oregon (Mr. Schrader) who, along with Mr. Quigley, Mr. Lipinski, and Mr. Costa, have been invaluable partners in pushing for the Simpson-Bowles budget.

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to my friend from Pennsylvania, Chaka Fattah.

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Chairman, may I ask how much time remains.

Mr. COOPER. Do my colleagues have any further speakers, or should I start the process of closing?

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. On November 2 of last fall, 100 of our colleagues signed a letter, the so-called ``go big'' letter, urging the supercommittee to do the right thing. And let me quote: To succeed, all options for mandatory and discretionary spending and revenues must be on the table. In addition, we know from other bipartisan frameworks that a target of some $4 trillion in deficit reduction is necessary to stabilize our debt as a share of the economy. This is what the Simpson-Bowles budget does, and only the Simpson- Bowles budget. For those of my colleagues who are worried about certain features of this, do not confuse the Simpson-Bowles report with a budget. A budget is just a framework. It's an outline. It instructs the committees to come up with certain savings, and the committees have the discretion to come up with those savings in whatever way they choose. It's true that the Simpson-Bowles report is one way of achieving those savings, but this is a guide, a target for the committees of jurisdiction. That's what we must do tonight and do on a bipartisan basis. We must come together for the good of the country. We must put our Nation first. We must set partisanship aside. This is the only way that we can pass a budget in the House and Senate this year, which we must have. It's easy to be critical; it's hard to perform. Let's make it happen for America tonight. We have an opportunity within our hands to give the United States a budget. All of the other plans are purely partisan and they don't have a prayer. Let's build a bridge to the future. Let's build a real budget that can pass both Houses of Congress. I urge my colleagues to support the Simpson-Bowles-endorsed alternative budget. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.