Eric Cantor

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, first of all, we expect to vote on the bill the week of the 13th. I think there will be adequate time for Members to review the bill and the text, to the gentleman's concern about Mr. Rahall's inquiry last night in the committee. That is exactly why we are allowing for the time, so that Members can review such a big bill, a bill that means so many jobs to so many Americans. I hope that the gentleman will be true to his nature, which is bipartisan, and to work with us, because this American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act is just that; it's a jobs bill. It is a bill that can provide some certainty to our contractors, some certainty to our communities so that we can start to grow again and see jobs proliferate. But I find it ironic that the gentleman complains about paying for it, because he talks about our wanting to open up our resources, our resources offshore, our resources in ANWR as, number one, an attempt to allow America to develop finally a national energy policy, but to also promote jobs. The gentleman knows, as I do, the energy sector provides an awful lot of jobs in plenty parts of this country, and can do a lot more, and is willing. Private capital, willing to deploy to create jobs. But I find it also ironic, Mr. Speaker, that the gentleman complains that there's no bipartisanship because somehow we're not working with the administration. Well, the administration's been absent on all of this. They're not interested in working with us to create a product where we can see jobs created. As you can see, the Secretary sits in his office and opines and attacks the bill, saying it is all the negative things that he said. Now, that's not a way to collaborate and work together. And the gentleman knows that as well. The gentleman knows that that is certainly not how things have worked in this town if you want to produce a result. So the gentleman can claim the mantle of wanting to work together and that the administration is being trampled by some action here. He knows good and well, Mr. Speaker, that this administration has been absent in so many of the discussions on so many important issues. And the fact that we differ on policy, yes. But I think the gentleman also knows that reasonable people can disagree, but that doesn't mean that we can't work together to find some things that we agree on. Certainly, we agree on jobs. The gentleman says we agree on small business. I'm looking for his support of that small business tax credit bill. And we agree on infrastructure spending being an important part of our economy. So I'm looking forward to the next week or so, as the bill works its way to the floor, to hopefully garner his support.

Mr. CANTOR. I say to the gentleman, first of all, I know the gentleman likes to talk about past Congresses. When he was House majority leader, he did not bring this STOCK Act to the floor, and it was a submitted bill. So let's set the record straight. This majority leader is going to bring a STOCK Act bill to the floor next week. I would also say, Mr. Speaker, that Mr. Walz's bill actually would weaken the Senate bill; and it is our intention to pass and get to the President a workable, strong bill that makes sure that we're delivering on the promise that we made to the people that sent us here. I hope the gentleman--I know he wants to join me in the effort to reinstill the confidence of the public that we are abiding by that trust.

Mr. CANTOR. Absolutely, Mr. Speaker. I join the gentleman in thinking Secretary LaHood is a fine gentleman, but all I can say is actions speak louder than words. What I would say to the gentleman about his request for the President's jobs bill and whether we're bringing the whole bill up for a vote, I'd ask the gentleman, How many Members on his side of the aisle have actually sponsored that bill? I think that there are certainly many elements of that bill that we can all agree on, and, in fact, we have voted on four separate elements, big elements, of the President's small business agenda that he announced this week that were part of that bill: crowd funding, many offerings to help small business access financing; a bill to provide for 100 percent depreciation; the provisions that will allow for more ability for small business to see money go to the bottom line so they can grow; and a bill that we passed out of this House to eliminate country caps for immigration for highly skilled workers. All these are part of the President's proposals. All these the House has passed, and they sit, and they sit on the other side of the Capitol. So I would say to the gentleman, he knows, as well as I do, that more stimulus spending as a part of that, the President's proposal, is something we don't accept, but there's plenty in there that we can agree on. Back to the notion of bipartisanship. Let's set aside differences and find where we can agree. These are areas that we can agree on. So I would say to the gentleman, please work with us. Please point the ire to the majority leader on the other side of the Capitol and say, bring these bills up. These are jobs bills. The President said so this week.

Mr. CANTOR. Let me respond, if you will yield.

Mr. CANTOR. If the gentleman could yield just for a correction. There's no need for pay-fors on these bills. These bills are something that were cleared out of the House in a revenue neutral way.

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman from Maryland, the Democratic whip, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, the House will meet at noon for morning-hour and 2 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will meet at 10 a.m. for morning-hour and noon for legislative business. On Thursday, the House will meet at 9 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes for the week are expected no later than 3 p.m. on Thursday. Mr. Speaker, the House will consider a few bills under suspension of the rules, which will be announced by the close of business today. Building upon our legislative agenda this week, the House will consider two more bills next week aimed at reforming the Federal budget process, including H.R. 3521, the Expedited Legislative Line-Item Veto and Rescissions Act, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan and cosponsored by Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen, as well as H.R. 3581, the Budget and Accounting Transparency Act, sponsored by Congressman Scott Garrett. In addition, the House will act on legislation passed in the Senate yesterday, commonly referred to as the STOCK Act. Finally, the House may consider H.R. 1734, the Civilian Property Realignment Act, sponsored by Congressman Jeff Denham.

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, what I would say is the Republicans on the House side, led by Chairman Camp, have been and are ready to make sure we resolve the issue of the payroll tax holiday extension right now. The issue has been the reluctance on the gentleman's side of the aisle on the other side of the Capitol. So if I thought that working 7 days a week, through weekends and all hours of the day and night would make a difference, I would be all for that as well. The fact of the matter is, Mr. Speaker, this House continues to act. This House passed a yearlong extension that also did not have the effect of raiding the Social Security trust fund, something that the gentleman and I both want to make sure happens, that we restore the integrity of that fund for the people who are counting on it. But, Mr. Speaker, I would say the House also, this week, acted on several measures that, frankly, are very relevant to the work of the conference committee, but yet no action by the Senate. One of those things, as the gentleman knows, was passed out of the House this week. It was a measure calling for a pay freeze at the Federal level for Federal employees, including Members of the House and Senate. This was a bipartisan vote; 309 Members voted for that. It allowed for about $26 billion in savings that could be easily included in the conference committee deliberations, something that our side continues to want to include, but yet no answer from the Senate majority leader and his conferees. So, again, I would tell the gentleman, please, we are as anxious as you are to try and resolve these issues. We had another vote this week, Mr. Speaker, which garnered 400 votes in the House--a bipartisan bill--which called for some necessary reforms to the TANF program. These were reforms which preclude the use of the monies that beneficiaries receive for purchases of services at casinos and other types of establishments, that perhaps those monies could be better spent not in those places; but again, no response from the Senate. And I would ask the gentleman if he could please direct his urgency towards the majority leader in the Senate to see if we can get this off the dime and resolve the issue of the payroll tax so we can, as the gentleman suggests, send a very certain signal to the people who are struggling out there, working day in and day out, that their taxes will not go up. As for the gentleman's suggestion about the job numbers, I don't know if he saw my public statement this morning, but I said that was welcome news, that when you have job creation like that, welcome news, but I also think we can do a lot better. I was pleased to see that the President came out this week and said he now, too, wants to be a champion of small business; and we say we are happy to work with this White House so that we can provide the help to small businesses. We will be bringing to the floor, before tax day, a small business tax cut bill that goes right at the issue of helping small business people, allowing them more incentive to invest their capital so they can create jobs and we can see this economy really take off.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at noon on Monday next for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the fourth grade class at White Oaks Elementary School in Burke, Virginia for their foresight, charity, and patriotism. Recently, these students collected seventy-six dollars and donated it to the United States Treasury to go towards paying down our nation's skyrocketing debt. At a time when our national debt is over $15 trillion, these fourth graders have realized we must manage down our debt and get our fiscal house in order. Their selfless contribution towards tackling this problem is a promising sign that the future leaders of our country realize that Washington's out of control spending is growing at an unsustainable rate. Just as any family or business must do, Washington must live within its means so that future generations have the same opportunity to earn success that has always made America so great. I only hope that Americans--young and old--can follow the example set by this remarkable group of young students. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me today in applauding the fourth graders at White Oaks Elementary School for their selfless contribution towards managing down our national debt.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the leader. Mr. Speaker, a little more than a year ago, America witnessed a heinous attack on Gabby Giffords, her staff, and the citizens of Tucson. This attack took six innocent lives, including Gabe Zimmerman, injured 13, and shook all of us in the congressional community and, in fact, our Nation to its core. This attack was a stark reminder that even in this country, where freedom of speech and public demonstration are the cornerstones of our democracy, citizens and public officials can face violence and danger. We will never forget those who lost their lives on that fateful day or the brave efforts of our law enforcement, community members, and a very special intern who responded in the emergency. Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for all of my colleagues when I say we are inspired, hopeful, and blessed for the incredible progress that Gabby has made in her recovery. Gabby's courage, her strength, and her downright fortitude are an inspiration to all of us and all Americans. As Gabby leaves the House today, Mr. Speaker, she has decided to focus her energies on recovery, but she has refused to give up her fight for the people of her beloved Arizona and her country; and as such, today we will vote on her legislation to help secure our Nation's southwestern border. Gabby's bill gives law enforcement greater authority to penalize those who seek to do us harm by engaging in illegal activity along the border. I commend Gabby for her commitment to work on this and her unwavering commitment to a safer, more secure America. For the past 6 years, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords has served Arizona's Eighth District with dedication and dignity. I want to recognize her accomplishments here and thank her staff for their exceptional service, dedication, and, yes, courage during these difficult times. Mr. Speaker, I especially want to recognize her chief of staff, Pia Carusone. I know, having met with Pia personally, her having worked with our office, she has demonstrated incredible dedication to her coworkers, to you, Gabby, and, Mr. Speaker, she has demonstrated unparalleled leadership for the people of the Eighth District of Arizona. And for that, I know they are and we are very grateful. On Sunday, Mr. Speaker, I received a call from Captain Mark Kelly--as we all know, Gabby's husband--who informed me of Gabby's decision. Mark has been steadfast in his support of his wife and forever by her side as her best friend and partner. Though Gabby may be leaving Washington today, I know this won't be the last we see of her or Mark. We wish you, Gabby, we wish Mark, together, the best as they continue the process of Gabby's recovery. And I'll say once again, Mr. Speaker, Gabby Giffords' strength against all odds serves and will continue to serve as a daily inspiration to all of us.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I move that the message of the President be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union and ordered printed.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the selfless service of the Virginia National Guard, which is now celebrating 400 years of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia and our nation. With its roots dating back to the Jamestown Colony in the early 1600s, the Virginia Guard has established itself as one of the oldest institutions of our nation's armed forces. From protecting the colonies during the earliest days of the Commonwealth to its role in the Revolutionary War, the Virginia Guard was an essential force in the inception of our great nation. For over four centuries, Virginia's guardsmen have come from all walks of life and volunteered to be ``a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.'' These men and women have gone into harm's way time and time again to preserve peace and ensure their fellow citizens of the Commonwealth are kept safe. Members of the Virginia Guard also have a proud history of public service to the nation at large, including five Virginia Guard officers who later went on to become U.S. Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and John Tyler. More recently, the brave men and women of the Virginia Guard have again selflessly answered the call to duty. Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, over 14,000 Virginia soldiers have been deployed across the world to protect our country. The enormous sacrifice of these soldiers and their families is something for which we will forever be grateful for. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the sacrifice and service of all past and present Virginia Guardsmen as we celebrate 400 years of courage and bravery in protecting the Commonwealth of Virginia and our country.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the order of the House of January 5, 2011, providing for morning-hour debate be extended for the remainder of the 112th Congress, except that House Resolution 514 shall supplant House Resolution 10.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would respond to the gentleman. As he has just read, we have sent out a notice electronically to all Members. Our intention is for the conferees to do their work. We have requested the Senate to do the same, appoint their conferees so we can iron out the differences so we can afford yearlong tax relief for the working people of this country.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I will say to the gentleman, it is very clear--I know he is holding the same piece of paper that I am--and it reflects the electronic message that went out to all Members. Our intention is for the conferees to go to work to iron out the differences, which are narrow, to ensure what all of us wants to happen--that we afford yearlong tax relief to all working people in this country.

Mr. CANTOR. I would say to the gentleman, if the gentleman wants to do his part in trying to make sure that the process moves forward, certainly the Democratic side of the aisle and the minority leader has the obligation to appoint conferees. And if we are all to continue to work together--which I believe we can because I think the people of this country are tired of hearing what Washington can't do and want to see what we can do. And frankly, Mr. Speaker, the people in this country are beginning to wonder about the body on the other side of this Capitol and are wondering what the leader over there has against the middle class of this country. So we would say, Mr. Speaker, it's time for us to come together. All of us, including the President, believe it's inexcusable to not allow for a yearlong extension of the payroll tax relief.

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, what I would say is the House has acted. We have again taken the position that all people, I think, in this building have taken, which is that it is so much better and more desirable for us to provide certainty to the working families of this country who deserve the yearlong certainty of tax relief. No one thinks that a 60-day extension is even workable, and I think most experts would say could cause unnecessary uncertainty, could cause additional costs to be incurred by businesses, and it could hurt workers. So I would say to the gentleman, the House has acted. It is up to the Senate to act to stave off this tax hike.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman from Michigan. Mr. Speaker, tonight's the first night of Chanukah and Christmas is fast approaching for families across America. And what do families see coming out of Washington? Dysfunction and half of Congress unwilling to do its job. Mr. Speaker, we were elected to work for the best interests of the American people. In this tough economy, middle class Americans and working families need to know that their taxes won't be going up at any point next year. So far the House has passed a bipartisan year-long plan to ensure that taxes do not go up. The Senate, on the other hand, has passed a 2- month plan. According to experts, the 2-month plan is simply unworkable. Families, employers, and workers can't live their lives month-to-month. Washington needs to stop adding confusion and more uncertainty to people's lives. I think we can all agree that the 2-month concept doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Mr. Speaker, bottom line, a 2-month patch is irresponsible. That's why the House is taking a stand. We believe all Americans deserve certainty. We want a year-long extension of the payroll tax cut which will prevent a tax increase on every American with a job. Luckily, Mr. Speaker, everyone claims to agree. In fact, the President himself said it would be inexcusable not to extend the payroll tax cut for a year. The leader of the Senate says that we should be working on extending the payroll tax for a year, but only after the new year. Mr. Speaker, a great Virginian once said, ``Never put off to tomorrow what you can do today.'' That man was Thomas Jefferson. Let us dedicate ourselves to that spirit. People across our great country are tired of hearing why Washington cannot do things. They're seeing day in and day out that Washington is not working together, but we have the ability to give them some hope. Let's show the American people that there's a reason to believe that we can work together and deliver results. Truth is, we're not far apart on this issue. The negotiators got extremely close. We owe some stability and good tax policy to the hardworking people of this country, not more gimmicks and political games. Today, this House will vote to go to conference and work these differences out in regular order. We need to come together in a responsible manner to find common ground where we can accomplish everyone's goal of a year-long payroll tax extension. Mr. Speaker, there is no reason why the House, the Senate, and the President cannot spend the next 2 weeks working to get that done. America will be waiting.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Yes.

Mr. CANTOR. As I indicated earlier, it is all pending the Senate's action. As I indicated, no one really knows how quickly or slowly that will occur and if it will occur. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.