Eric Cantor

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. I'd just say, the gentleman is really saying there is a need for discussions, and that's what I'm saying today, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. CANTOR. We need to sit down and discuss. We do agree on that. Obviously, the White House doesn't agree on that, and we're trying to urge some real serious commitment to resolving this on the part of the White House.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I'll try and be brief. On the farm bill, the gentleman is correct. We're going to face some very dire consequences if we don't act on the issue prior to leaving here. And part of what I had indicated last week is that is something we are focused on and know we've got to deal with the issue prior to the end of the year. On the issue of VAWA, as the gentleman and I have discussed many times on the floor, he knows that we can't go to conference with the Senate bill. The Senate bill has a blue slip problem. I am speaking with the Vice President and his office and trying to resolve the issue of the differences surrounding the VAWA bill. This week I've actually been encouraged to see that we could very well see agreement on VAWA, and I'm very hopeful that that comes about. But I am encouraged about the discussions that my office is having with the Vice President's office right now, that bill being a high priority of Vice President Biden. On the issue of the supplemental, I imagine, Mr. Speaker, the gentleman has seen the press reports that I have that the White House is anticipating sending up a $60 billion supplemental request for damages related to Sandy, and I think tomorrow would be that day, at least according to press reports. As the gentleman may know, the FEMA Director testified to the House yesterday that the agency can meet its needs associated with the disaster through the spring. Approximately $2 billion has been delivered, with about $5 billion remaining in the disaster relief fund. So, again, no one is here saying that we don't want to deliver the necessary aid to the victims, because that is a priority. But we're looking forward to receiving that request and taking a look at the numbers and the need to make sure we can move forward on that as well. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, postal reform. The gentleman and I have, yes, talked about this a lot and know that the issue has to do with the obligations of the Postal Service and how we can address those to create a more balanced prospect for the future to allow for its continuance, so we're looking at that as well. And the gentleman knows there's a lot of discussions, both bipartisan and bicameral, on that issue as well.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 7, 2012, and further when the House adjourns on that day, it adjourn to meet at noon on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California. Mr. Speaker, we all agree that getting our economy moving again needs to be our top priority, but jobs will not take off until American businesses have the workers they need to drive innovation and growth. The immigrants who come to this country for school and for work have always been key players in driving our Nation's economy. Unfortunately, current immigration policies are preventing American businesses from hiring foreign students who earn advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math from our best universities. From growing startups to U.S. multinationals, American employers are desperate for qualified STEM workers, no matter where they're from. Microsoft, for example, has over 6,000 job openings waiting to be filled by scientists, researchers, engineers, and developers. For now, these openings and many others will remain vacant because too few American students are graduating with STEM degrees, and foreign STEM graduates can't get the visas they need. Every year, the U.S. invests in educating thousands of foreign students in STEM fields at our top universities only to send them back to compete against us. Chairman Lamar Smith, along with Congressman Raul Labrador, Congressman Bob Goodlatte, and, of course, the chairman from California, Mr. Issa, have all been working on this, and we've now put forward the measure before us to spur job creation by providing a pathway for American-educated foreign graduates with advanced STEM degrees to work here and contribute to our economy. This bill also keeps immigrant families together by letting the husbands, wives, and minor children of immigrant workers wait in the U.S. with their families for their green cards. The STEM Jobs Act reallocates existing visas currently distributed through a random lottery and directs them, instead, to the highly skilled foreign graduates of U.S. universities who have enormous potential to help grow our economy, which is our top priority. The Partnership for a New American Economy found that every immigrant with an advanced STEM degree, working for a U.S. company, creates about three new American jobs, and one-quarter of all STEM-focused companies in the U.S. count at least one immigrant as a founder. At American multinationals like Qualcomm, Merck, GE, and Cisco, immigrants filed up to 72 percent of the patents filed, giving those businesses a competitive edge and helping them expand and create jobs here at home. Our commitment to foreign STEM graduates is a commitment to American job creation. Foreign students are drawn to our shores by our world-class universities, and they want to stay because they know, in America, there is immense opportunity. We need to bet on the students who bet on America. We are a Nation that was built by people who risked everything for the promise of opportunity, and we must continue to be that Nation. We must make sure that U.S. companies can hire the top foreign talent we are educating instead of sending those graduates into a bureaucratic maze--or worse, to our competitors. This is a commonsense solution that should have bipartisan support. Let's pass the STEM Jobs Act to make sure diplomas come with green cards, not with a spot on a government waiting list.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman from Maryland, the former Democratic whip and now the new Democratic whip, for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, the House will meet at noon for morning-hour and 2 p.m. for legislative business. No votes are expected on Monday evening in order to accommodate the annual White House Holiday Congressional Ball. On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10 a.m. for morning-hour and noon for legislative business. On Wednesday, the House will meet at 9 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes of the week are expected no later than 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Members are advised that this is a change from the original House calendar. Mr. Speaker, the House will consider a number of bills under suspension of the rules next week, a complete list of which will be announced by the close of business tomorrow. As Members are aware, the House has numerous outstanding legislative items that we are actively working to resolve. First and foremost is a resolution to the so-called ``fiscal cliff.'' We're also awaiting action from the Senate on items like the annual Defense and Intelligence authorization bills, an extension of FISA, and others. Negotiations on these and many other issues will continue regardless of the daily legislative business of the House, and Members are advised that we will not adjourn the 112th Congress until a credible solution has been found that meets these challenges. Finally, Mr. Speaker, the 2013 House calendar is now publicly available at majorityleader.gov. The House will convene the 113th Congress at noon on January 3, and we will be in session for a total of 126 days. I thank the gentleman.

Mr. CANTOR. In direct response to the gentleman's questions, it is not the intention of this majority leader to bring forward to the floor that bill, for several reasons. First of all, Madam Speaker, the notion of increasing tax rates in an economy that still is struggling, where we have entirely too many Americans out of work, is something anathema to a job-creating future. And secondly, Madam Speaker, raising tax rates, asking Americans, small businesses, to pay more of their money into Washington when Washington cannot seem to get a handle on its spending problem will just make matters worse. We've got to stop the spending madness. As the gentleman knows, that is very much what this majority has been about. We want to finally provide the fix to some of the entitlement problems, the unfunded obligations that we continue to incur daily in this country. Madam Speaker, it is not the intention for us to vote to increase tax rates on anybody in this failing economy, but we do look forward to continuing in our discussions with the administration, with the White House. The Speaker and I met with Secretary Geithner yesterday in hopes of trying to find some common ground so we can avoid the fiscal cliff, so we can get back onto a road of confidence and job creation in this economy.

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, where we don't agree is asking anyone to pay more out of their paycheck to Washington when Washington seems to be incapable of getting hold of its spending problem, which is why, Madam Speaker, we continue to ask this President in these negotiations to be specific with us. We want to address the problem. We realize that we are digging the hole deeper every day and that taxpayers are on the hook. That's why we say it is now not the time to ask anyone to pay money into Washington when we keep increasing the debt the way we are. So there is not agreement that we ought to raise taxes. There is not agreement at all until we get the problem fixed. That's all. We can see eye to eye on this, but let's all start where we know we've got to go, which is addressing the spending problem. Then, finally, we can perhaps fulfill the promise of rebuilding the confidence that people need to have in this Federal Government.

Mr. CANTOR. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. CANTOR. Look, Madam Speaker, just imagine that those individuals the gentleman likes to say are perfectly willing and capable to pay more taxes, the small business man or woman who may make over $200,000 individually, $200,000, that individual will see a tax increase come January if that bill is passed or if nothing is done. So, Madam Speaker, I know that the gentleman can be technical in his argument and say there's no tax increase, but the end effect of passing that bill, as if it resolves the matter, would mean an increased tax bill for a small business man or woman, a working man or woman at that income level. So let's be honest about what the impact is of saying that that bill is the final resolution here. I mean, the gentleman knows that is correct. So, again, we've been through this. All I would say, Madam Speaker, to the gentleman is we are earnest in our desire to want to resolve things, and we are earnest in our statements that we don't want to go over the fiscal cliff. We've got to come together and solve this problem. Allowing taxes to go up on a certain portion of the population doesn't just fix the problem. The problem is in the spending. The gentleman knows that, he's been a real committed deficit hawk. He continues to say we've got to pay for what we buy. Well, we've bought these incredible entitlement programs, and they've got to be sustained for the people who are relying on them, which is why we want to save them. That's solving the problem. That's where we need to go on this.

Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I don't want to belabor the point. But I just want to tell the gentleman that I did not say he was technically correct. I said he was being technical in his argument. I then went and made the case that the real impact of what the gentleman is advocating will be that taxes will go up on many people, those job creators and others. That was all.

Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I would tell the gentleman that both the Speaker and I have both said that we will deal with the issue of the farm bill or the issue in and around the farm bill before leaving this year. I would tell the gentleman it is our sense that the farm bill, in being brought to the floor in regular order, does not have the votes to pass this House. And we understand the importance of the issues surrounding the farm bill and working with Chairman Lucas and others. But on both sides of the Capitol, we look forward to hopefully reaching some type of resolution on issues surrounding the farm bill prior to leaving this year.

Mr. CANTOR. Well, I would tell the gentleman, Madam Speaker, that the Chair is actually the author of the House bill. The House bill was passed out of this House. It had broad support. It was a bill that did not intend to target any specific group. It tried to streamline the grant-making process so that the benefits designed to address the needs of abused women and others could reach the victims; and I am committed to seeing if we can get this bill done. The gentleman knows, Madam Speaker, that the Senate bill has a blue- slip problem. The Senate bill is not over here. So we continue to negotiate and discuss ways for us to resolve this by the end of the year. The Vice President and I have even spoken, because it's an issue very near and dear to his heart, to try to see how we can resolve this. So I commit to the gentleman that I am looking to see this resolved and passed by the end of the year and to see where we can land in a way that preserves most of what that bill is about that we can have in common rather than emphasizing the areas of difference.

Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I will tell the gentleman I think he would agree that the best policy is to allow the administration of FEMA to come up with the estimate and the most accurate prediction of what the costs are before we move. So that would be in response to the first part of his question. Secondly, as the gentleman knows, when we passed the Budget Control Act last year, it had in it the mechanisms to actually budget for disaster relief and imposing a formula for a 10-year rolling average, allowing for the preservation, if you will, of those dollars dedicated to disasters was what we accomplished there. And it is that process that is much different than prior to the BCA, and I think it obviates the need for us to engage in this discussion that he wants to engage in regarding offsets.

Mr. CANTOR. I will tell the gentleman, Madam Speaker, that we did, as he knows, observe a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in that horrific storm to hit the east coast of the United States. Certainly all of us, our thoughts, our prayers, our sorrows go out to the loved ones who have lost family members, friends in that awful tragedy of a storm. I have not looked at Mr. Nadler's bill but will do so, I will tell the gentleman.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, 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 Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs and their continued excellence in providing American military leaders with an unparalleled look at the challenges facing Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East. JINSA's annual Generals and Admirals Trip to Israel offers recently retired American generals and admirals the opportunity to consult with Israel's senior political and military leadership on the persistent threats Israel faces across its borders and the shared threats our countries face in the region. America has a long standing commitment to the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship, a unique bond forged by shared interests and shared democratic values. No country in the tumultuous region stands aligned with our ideals more than Israel. Amid a rising tide of radicalism and violent extremism in the region it is imperative that the United States stand by her ally and ensure that Israel can maintain its Qualitative Military Edge so that threats to Israeli and American security will be answered with strength and resolve. America's military and intelligence cooperation has proven successful and our joint missile defense efforts such as Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow have saved lives from the rockets launched into Israel from the Gaza Strip. These collaborations have also prevented weapon smuggling in the Sinai Peninsula and have effectively protected Israel against terrorism. Unfortunately, as Iran expands its influence in the region, the threat of terrorism and conflict grows. Iran's radical mullahs call for death and destruction of Israel, America, and all that we stand for. Iran also continues their long-standing efforts to acquire nuclear weapons and today they are closer than ever to a nuclear bomb. The sanctions we have implemented have impacted Iran's economy, but Iran's leaders remain undeterred from their pursuit of their dangerous goal and continue to support various terrorist factions such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Taliban. Iran's leaders are also strategic patrons of Syrian Dictator Bashar Assad, a brutal despot and sponsor of terrorism whose violent suppression of his own citizens has fueled sectarian conflict and extremism in violence in Syria. The United States must act as a global leader in order to thwart Iran's nuclear capabilities, combat their terrorist proxies, and ensure that the security of the United States, Israel, and our Arab allies is assured. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing JINSA for another successful trip that seeks to solidify our nation's support for Israel, with whom we share a commitment to freedom, a respect for human life, and a commitment to security. Global security depends on strong U.S. leadership. The U.S. must stand tall for Israel, now more than ever, and must not abandon our ally at a time of enormous instability in the region.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman from Texas for his leadership on this bill. Mr. Speaker, since we were elected to the majority, the House Republicans have put forward solutions to spur job creation and economic growth by, frankly, focusing on and helping small businesses get off the ground to grow and hire. We've worked hard to drive small business job creation and innovation by enacting patent reform, the JOBS Act, and the removal of regulatory and tax burdens that are impeding small businesses' growth. The STEM Jobs Act we are voting on today is part of our commitment to help small businesses, to help them create jobs by ensuring that top foreign students in American universities have the opportunity to launch or work for American businesses. The bipartisan STEM Jobs Act takes 55,000 visas currently awarded based on a lottery and instead awards them to foreign graduates of U.S. universities with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This legislation provides students with the opportunity to stay here in America where they can contribute to the American economy rather than leaving for other countries, taking their venture capital with them to compete against America and her businesses. I want to thank the gentleman from Texas, Chairman Smith, as well as Congressman Henry Cuellar for introducing this legislation. I'd also like to note that Congressman Bob Goodlatte of Virginia and Congressman Raul Labrador from Idaho have also been instrumental in getting us here. But there's a reason why we in America are the world's leading innovators and have within our borders the world's leading innovators and why they choose to launch their companies here. Our Nation offers immense opportunities to those who come to our shores. My grandparents, just like so many others who immigrated to America, knew what foreign students know today: that America has always been a place which puts a premium on ensuring that, no matter who you are or where you're from, everyone here should have the opportunity to go and achieve and earn success. According to the Partnership for a New American Economy, 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. So we must start to take advantage of our status as a destination for the world's best and brightest. We must continue to do that. We want job creation and innovators to stay here and help us compete. Over the past two decades, the number of international graduate students enrolled in our Nation's top-notch universities has grown. But, as the Congressional Research Service shows, the percentage of these students who gain visas has largely remained the same since 1990. The STEM Jobs Act says to our foreign graduates, You choose America and America chooses you. More talent in our workforce will mean more innovation, more start- ups, more entrepreneurship, more jobs and a better economy. It's time our visa system adopted this commonsense advancement. It's time for us to pass this bill, Mr. Speaker, and I hope there is a broad bipartisan base of support when the vote occurs.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentlelady for her leadership in bringing this resolution forward. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution to condemn the violence against our diplomatic missions in Libya, Egypt, Yemen, and elsewhere. We acknowledge and honor the personal sacrifice of the brave Americans who gave their lives in service to our Nation. U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens, Foreign Service Information Management Officer Sean Smith, and Security Officers Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty tragically lost their lives far from home in Benghazi, Libya, where they were promoting American interests and helping the Libyan people secure the hard-fought gains of the revolution. These heroes died upholding the liberty, democracy, and moderation we value as a Nation. In the wake of their deaths and the ongoing protests and violence, Americans want to know what our strategy is for protecting our diplomats, our interests, and our values in a region that is undergoing a profound--and unfortunately sometimes violent--political transformation. Americans are rightly worried about the anti-Americanism and Islamic extremism that has reared its head. I share the concern that Americans have about the situation in the Middle East, and I believe the President should explain his strategy for navigating the uncertain waters before us. But I know that one policy we must not pursue is to turn our back on this troubled region. Withdrawing from the region would embolden the extremists and justify Osama bin Laden's strategy, leaving the moderates who share our values and who desire democracy to combat the forces of violence alone. We are not alone in this fight. From Morocco to Indonesia, there are brave Muslims who oppose violence, who desire good relations with the United States, who respect religious freedom, and who risk their lives by preaching tolerance and moderation. We should redouble our efforts to stand with these Muslims who seek to protect a great religion from being subverted by extremists. We should not abandon Libya because terrorists seek to undermine a government that is making progress towards establishing a democracy and that is joining the fight against terrorism. Egypt's democratic revolution is unfinished, and much work remains to ensure that its first election is not its last. We should work with Egypt's leaders to help them build a democracy that respects individual rights, women, and religious freedom while being clear that we will not tolerate policies that give any ground to terrorists or undermine our security or that of our ally Israel. American assistance is not an entitlement, and Congress expects Egypt's new leaders to respect the parameters and conditions of our generous aid. America must not abandon its partners, just as we should not apologize for our perceived sins. We must demonstrate leadership. We should lead a coalition against the radical mullahs in Iran who foment instability and support extremists throughout the region. America should combat Iran's support for terrorism and thwart its aspirations for nuclear weapons. America should be leading an international effort to bring overwhelming pressure on the Assad regime in Syria to end, once and for all, its state sponsorship of terrorism and to bring about a new government in Syria before that society fractures beyond repair. Mr. Speaker, America has long been a force for good and stability in the Middle East. When we have retreated in the past from playing this role, we have paid dearly. Withdrawing from Lebanon in the 1980s ceded that country to Syria and Hezbollah. Failing to respond to al Qaeda's attacks in the 1990s led Osama bin Laden to believe he could attack the American homeland. The extremists in the region believe today, as bin Laden believed then, that we do not have the stomach to defend our friends and our interests, that we will abandon the Middle East. We must prove them wrong by responding to this challenge with purpose and strength. We must stand with our friends and hold our enemies to account.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland, the Democratic whip, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, on Monday and Tuesday, no votes are expected in the House. On Wednesday, 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 Thursday, the House will meet at 10 a.m. for morning-hour and noon for legislative business. On Friday, the House will meet at 9 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes of the week are expected no later than 3 p.m. Mr. Speaker, the House will consider a number of bills under suspension of the rules next week, including a prioritization of visas for foreign graduates of American universities in the STEM fields, an issue being championed by Chairman Lamar Smith, the gentleman from Texas, as well as Bob Goodlatte from Virginia and Raul Labrador from Idaho. A complete list of suspensions will be announced by the close of business today. In addition, Mr. Speaker, the House will consider H.J. Res. 118, sponsored by Chairman Dave Camp, which provides for congressional disapproval of the rules submitted by the Department of Health and Human Services relating to waivers of work requirements with respect to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The House will also consider H.R. 3409, the Stop the War on Coal Act, sponsored by Bill Johnson of Ohio, which is a package of bills to expand domestic energy production and help create American jobs. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, Members are advised that with the Senate's expected passage of the continuing resolution, we no longer anticipate votes in the House during the week of October 1. This is a change from the original House calendar.

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman. Before I get to the farm bill, I would just like to respond to the initial statements about the House's work in terms of jobs and taxes. The gentleman well knows that we have sent to the Senate well over 30 measures that are job-creating bills that will help improve the environment for small business men and women to actually begin to invest and create jobs again. We've also, as the gentleman knows, passed H.R. 8, the Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act. We did that on August 1. It was a bipartisan vote, including 19 House Democrats. This followed up on over 20 hearings on tax reform in this Congress. What we did in that bill, Mr. Speaker, as the gentleman recalls, is we made sure that taxes are not going to go up on anybody right now because of the economic situation that exists throughout this country. We don't believe that it is a desirable outcome to see taxes go up on anyone and to take more of their money right now while they're having a difficult time getting through the month. That is why, Mr. Speaker, we continue to stand on the side of the hardworking taxpayers, and we ask the gentleman to please, when he cites the fact that we didn't pass his job bill, we passed a jobs bill. We passed numerous jobs bills--in fact, over 30 jobs bills--sitting in the Senate. The inaction has been on the Senate. So, Mr. Speaker, with the gentleman's question about the farm bill, I, in fact, just came out of a meeting with one of his members to talk about the farm bill. We're trying to look for ways forward. Yes, there can be a possibility that we act again on the issue of the disaster of the drought. As the gentleman rightly said, we passed a drought relief bill on the livestock issue. It's sitting over in the Senate. Again, inaction. The gentleman indicates the reason for opposition to that bill. There is nothing in the bill that is controversial. It's a fact that some who insist on having something else in the bill didn't have it. Well, one thing we know in common is we're all for allowing the relief on the livestock issue for the farmers. Why can't we get that done? Why can't we just finally decide to say, You know what? There are some areas of disagreement, and we realize that, reasonable people do, and certainly in election season it sort of emphasizes that, unfortunately. But we also know there are things in common. Addressing the livestock drought issue is something we do have in common. We passed that out of the House. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gentleman any indication that he could give that perhaps there would be some movement on that would be, I think, a positive thing for the farmers. We continue to work on how to go forward, and, yes, there could be a possibility there is some action next week on the issue of the farm bill, looking to find ways that we can work together on issues that we all support, not issues that divide us.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I would say that there is not agreement right now that we ought to raise taxes in this economy. The reason is, Mr. Speaker, that we are concerned about those individuals that the gentleman speaks about that perhaps may be out of work, or underemployed, or trying to make it and having a real difficult time. We're concerned about those people, and the best thing we can do is create a job and see them go back to work. We saw that this summer Ernst & Young put out a study demonstrating that his tax policy--the gentleman's tax policy, the President's plan to raise taxes--is going to destroy 710,000 jobs, slash $200 billion from the economy, and lower wages for all working Americans by 1.8 percent. That's what that study said. So, no, there's not agreement that we should raise taxes like that because if you raise taxes, there are going to be less jobs, there is going to be less growth. We're trying to focus on those people who need to get back to work, who want to get back to work. That's where the agreement is--that we all want to help people. We just don't believe that you help people right now by laying down a tax increase, putting more money into the government that can't seem to figure out a way to fix the problem once and for all. That's what we want to do, fix that problem, help those people.

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Again, no, that's not why these bills haven't passed. First of all, the Violence Against Women Act passed out of this House. It's sitting over in the Senate because the Senate's got its own bill that has a blue slip problem. Let the legislative process work over there, send us a bill, and we'll get something done. The gentleman did not, on his side, overwhelmingly join us in the VAWA bill. Okay. So the fact that the minority didn't get their way, they wouldn't join us on the bill. We went and did our work. And I'll say more to the gentleman, Mr. Speaker. The postal reform bill, the fact of the matter is his side, Mr. Speaker, the minority will not agree to reforms. Everyone knows the post office needs reforms. Everyone knows the debt that that organization continues to incur and lays on the U.S. taxpayers. We're trying to fix that problem. But because the gentleman and his colleagues refuse to go along with reforms like a 5-day delivery--this is something that the President supports. But because his side refuses to go along with trying to reform that organization, we can't move. Again, it's this insistence: We can't do that. We all know that's common sense. Common sense is reforming the postal service--something everyone knows needs reform. That's why that bill didn't pass, Mr. Speaker. We've got another issue on the farm bill. There are issues of policy differences. And the gentleman knows throughout last year we went through a lot of these policy differences in the SNAP program and the rest. We have GAO recommendations year in and year out about that program, but unwillingness on the part of the minority to ever engage in a discussion of real reform in those programs. Again, let's remember what we're talking about in a farm bill. Most of it by far are not farm programs, they're food programs. Again, raising the question of how it is we're going to go forward, we need to understand the specifics and know there are real policy differences. Yes, we're all willing to work together--or at least we are on this side. So I really take exception with the gentleman's assertions that somehow we're sitting here demanding everything. No. We want to work together and set aside differences and agree on things we can find in common. That's how anybody in everyday life tries to run their business or run their family. It's not all or nothing. It's not black or white.

Mr. CANTOR. Would the gentleman yield for that fact? Because that's not true, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gentleman, it's not true. We don't want to exclude anybody from the benefits under VAWA, and he knows that. It was simply a matter of new language inserted by the Senate that, really, we don't want to deny those benefits to anyone. We want everyone to have the benefits and not exclude some by specifically identifying others, and the gentleman knows that. It's unfair to characterize anything we're trying to do to exclude people from benefits when they are subject to domestic abuse. All of us care about those victims.