Eric Cantor

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. As the gentleman knows, we have had the discussion before about the majority's position on the Senate bill. We don't support the Senate bill. The Speaker I think spoke out on that this week. Our Members don't support the Senate bill. We have said all along Chairman Goodlatte and his committee are going about a much more deliberative process, a step-by-step approach in trying to address the problems with a broken immigration system. I do think, and I will tell the gentleman that there is consensus on our side of the aisle as well as his, that the system is broken and needs to be fixed. Certainly there are differences on how to go about doing that. We remain committed, as does the chairman, in trying to move in a step-by-step manner to address the various issues involved with immigration reform, but not to do it the way the Senate did because, as we have seen, many of those who actually voted for the Senate bill in the other body now say they regret that vote or they perhaps would do some differently. I guess it is up to the House to try to address it much more deliberatively and try to fix the problems that exist so we don't see them happen again. I would say to the gentleman, the House will continue its work; and, as the gentleman knows, the news of this week, unfortunately, has been many, many Americans very unhappy with the work product coming out of this town as far as health care is concerned. I would posit to the gentleman that a bill like ObamaCare or a bill like the Senate immigration bill produces the kind of impact and effect that we are seeing this week and last week and the prior. We don't want to commit that same kind of mistake. We want to be smarter about it. As the gentleman knows, our committees are hard at work in trying to identify how we can help people with their health care right now since they are facing the very real prospects of not having the health care insurance plans that they like, contrary to the promises that were made when that comprehensive bill was passed a couple of years ago in the same way the Senate bill, the immigration bill, was passed, with not a lot of focus on the detail. We intend to try and focus on the details of immigration reform, try to come together, see if we can actually have some positive reception on the gentleman's side of the aisle both in this House and the one across the way as well as the White House to actually work together finally to produce a bipartisan outcome that will be satisfactory because none of these partisan bills have ended up working. As you see, ObamaCare, case in point. That is why we have the train wreck that is upon us. It was a strictly partisan bill that came out of the Congress, House and Senate, and look what has happened. So I say to the gentleman, we do care about the immigration issue and want to go about reform in a smart way.

Mr. CANTOR. I would say to the gentleman, Madam Speaker, it is under consideration as to the timing when we bring that bill to the floor. I would again reiterate that Chairman Goodlatte is trying to take a holistic approach to the immigration reform issue--the bill that the gentleman mentioned is obviously one of the pieces in trying to figure this out--and do so in a way that we can effect a positive result, not just result for result's sake. And I again direct the gentleman's attention, Madam Speaker, to what is going on with ObamaCare right now and how many millions of Americans are extremely disappointed in their government and certainly in the representations that were made by the White House and President insofar as that law is concerned. I don't think that we ought to be engaging in those kinds of commitments when you can't deliver. So again, we want to be working together. We want to be deliberative about this process, and hopefully we can move forward in a way that is expeditious and thoughtful.

Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I would say to the gentleman if he recalls that in the not too distant past, it was his side that opposed that bill when it was brought to the floor. My response will be the same. We want to bring bills together. We can work in a cooperative fashion to effect a result. Unfortunately, as the minority opposed stapling green cards to diplomas on that bill that was brought in the past, we are trying to figure out a way where we can bring something forward and actually get it across the finish line with the other body.

Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I would say to the gentleman that the purpose is not just to make sure that a vote occurs and then nothing happens. The purpose is to pass bills and then allow for the bicameral effort to get a result. That is the frustration. If the gentleman would also note, on the farm bill, we actually have a conference committee ongoing now. So the reason we employed the process we did was to get in a position that we could actually get a result and not just say we did something and fail to deliver for the people. I would say to the gentleman again, these bills that he is bringing up all fit into a larger puzzle. We need some indication from the White House and from the majority in the Senate that they will actually work with us. Given the track record that this administration has amassed since 2009, there is not a lot of indication they are willing to work together. Again, I would point to the prospects of that being what is key, because this week is demonstrative of what happens when you just move without bringing everyone together. The effects of this health care law are going to be lasting on people. They are scared to go to the exchanges. They are worried they are not going to have insurance. This is the impact and result of passing laws by just one body and expecting the other body to just go along. We can't do that now because we are two separate bodies, and we need the White House and the Senate to cooperate with the majority in the House.

Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I will say to the gentleman again, the track record of this administration and the majority in the Senate has indicated an unwillingness to sit down and talk. They have not done so. Certainly, the White House has not done so on the immigration issue, did not do so on the health care issue. Again, it doesn't help the American people for this insistence on ``my way or the highway'' kind of mode of operation. We have gotten the message now. If it is going to be my way or the highway, we will try to do whatever we can to help people, as we did today on the floor with a bipartisan vote. The gentleman continues to say that we don't like the health care bill. That is true. I think the American people have spoken out pretty loud and clearly over the last 10 days or so, as indicated by the White House and the President's move yesterday. Obviously, the law is not working. We don't want to get into another situation like that. We want to make sure we work together comprehensively because there are step-by- step actions that need to be taken, but we need results. We need the White House to sit down and talk to us. We don't need any more speeches, and we don't need any more press conferences by the President. We need some actual talk. On the immigration issue, they have just not come forward. They have said ``my way or the highway.'' I say to the gentleman that is not how you work in a bipartisan process. The gentleman complains about partisan action on the floor. Well, there is an inherent partisanship when you have a majority versus a minority, and the will of the House is reflected in the votes here. The Senate is controlled by the gentleman's party, and so is the White House. So to get any kind of result, such as the farm bill, we are going to need a bipartisan result. He is correct on that. It doesn't mean that if we pass something in the House it automatically has to be something the Senate will support. Again, I would say to the gentleman, let's all try to work together. I think our side has indicated a willingness to do that. Obviously, we want to go and get these conference reports out, but we have not seen a willingness on the part of the gentleman's party, this President, to say we can work together to effect positive immigration reform--not just my way or the highway.

Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I would just say to the gentleman that we don't want a repeat of what is going on now with ObamaCare. That bill constructed as it is by the Senate is a last-minute effort to get it across the finish line. I think there is a lot that could be done a lot better in that bill. The gentleman, I believe, knows that, as well. If he doesn't share my opinion, then we can agree to disagree on that. I would just say again, let's be mindful, Madam Speaker, of what happens when you put together a bill like ObamaCare. There are real consequences for millions of Americans right now, and they are scared that they are not even going to have health care insurance that they have today come January 1. There are plenty of reasons for that: the mishaps with the Web sites, the call centers, the stolen identities. All the things that don't seem to be working right now are scaring people out of even considering in a rational way what is going on. How could they? There are no answers being given. I would say to the gentleman it is largely due to the unfortunate architecture of that bill, some of which can be blamed on the process by which it was put together. We don't want to the make that mistake again. I would say to the gentleman that I look forward to working with him in a deliberate and thoughtful approach. We are not bringing up the Senate bill. We are not going to do that. I have said that to the gentleman. Hopefully, we can work in a much more positive way.

Mr. CANTOR

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

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, millions of Americans are coming home and opening their mailboxes to find shocking news; their health care plans are being taken away from them. The President broke a promise we knew he couldn't keep, and now millions of Americans feel betrayed, wondering why their health care plans are being canceled. Mr. Speaker, this letter was sent to me by a constituent. His name is Bruno Gora, and he is a constituent of mine in Richmond, Virginia. He is a self-employed individual who purchases health insurance through Anthem BlueCross/BlueShield. A few weeks ago, he was stunned to receive this letter in the mail, and it clearly reads: ``To meet the requirements of the new law, your current plan can no longer be offered.'' Any new plan could cost Mr. Gora thousands of dollars more. Why should he or anyone else be forced to buy a different insurance policy if they are happy with the one they have? With every new day that passes, we continue to learn more and more about people in the same situation. Mr. Gora and this cancelation letter represent millions of ObamaCare victims across the country who are having their health insurance ripped away from them. As a result, we House Republicans will put the Keep Your Plan Act on the floor for a vote tomorrow. The only way to stop every cancelation letter is by full repeal of this law. However, this bill will hopefully begin to ease some of the pain that working families are feeling because of President Obama's health care law. Tomorrow, we will see who will put their constituents before policies and vote for a bill that could allow Americans to keep their plans. I sincerely hope that my colleagues will act as a united voice and take the first of many steps to provide relief to the American people from the many burdens brought about by ObamaCare.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman from Pennsylvania for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor as I rise in support of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013. Mr. Chair, our economy remains weak, and many working families are struggling. Many are having a hard time paying their bills, and others are struggling to find work. The American people deserve an efficient, effective, and accountable government that is focused on finding bipartisan solutions that will reignite our economy so those who are looking for a job are able to find one. The legislation before us today will provide a big step in that direction. This is a fiscally responsible bill that will create jobs and ensure that America remains competitive in the global economy. It will encourage investing in our national water transportation networks, while cutting red tape and streamlining the infrastructure project delivery process. Our waterways and ports support over $1.4 trillion worth of goods each year, and over the next few decades our trade volume is expected to grow exponentially. Every State in this country and millions of hardworking American families depend on the many parts of our waterway infrastructure to be strong economic arteries. Other countries around the world have been investing in their commercial infrastructure to improve their standing in the global marketplace and so that they can gain a competitive edge. As a result, improving and strengthening our ports and inland waterways is not just an economic desire, it is an economic necessity. This bill authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to develop, maintain, and build important development projects, streamlines redundant environmental reviews, and establishes a transparent process for future activities with strong congressional oversight--and it does so without any earmarks. This is a commonsense bill that should garner bipartisan support because it will help revitalize our waterways, our ports, and our economy. The American people are counting on their elected leaders to restore trust in our government and faith in our economy, and this bill is an important part of achieving that goal. Again, I would like to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Chairman Shuster, and the rest of the members on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on both sides of the aisle for their hard work on this issue, and I urge my colleagues in the House to support this legislation.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, 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. Last votes of the week are expected Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Speaker, the House will consider a few suspensions next week, a complete list of which will be announced by close of business Friday. In addition, the House will consider two bipartisan bills from the Financial Services Committee: H.R. 992, the Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act, authored by Representative Randy Hultgren; and H.R. 2374, the Retail Investor Protection Act, sponsored by Representative Ann Wagner.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and would respond by saying that I think the gentleman knows that both the Speaker and I have said that we are not going to consider the Senate bill because we object to the Senate bill, although we do want to make some progress in reforming our broken immigration system, and there are plenty of bipartisan efforts underway and in discussion between Members on both sides of the aisle to try and address what is broken about our immigration system. The committees are still working on this issue, and I expect us to move forward this year in trying to address reform and what is broken about our system.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. As the gentleman knows, the conference committee has been appointed, it is meeting, and we anticipate a productive discussion on the farm bill and the reforms that the House voted on in all parts of the bill. We hopefully look forward to resolution on the differences between the Senate so that we can produce yet another bill that can be signed into law. I would just underscore the fact, Mr. Speaker, that talks and negotiations are, yes, the way to go about trying to accomplish more for the American people. Along those lines, it is about trying to focus on the things and the beliefs that we have in common and not allowing those things that we disagree on to get in the way. If that spirit of negotiation is adopted by both sides, I believe there could be progress on the farm bill as well as other issues.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I agree with the gentleman that it is desirable. I look at it as a priority that we allow for the appropriations process to begin again, but that will require us to arrive at an agreement on what that top line number is, as the gentleman knows as a former appropriator. We have said and maintained all along on the majority side of the aisle that the sequester is not the best way to go about achieving spending reductions, and I have said continuously that we would like to exchange for sequester mandatory savings and put that into law in exchange for the sequester. There are items in the President's budget that we agree on as well. That goes to my point, Mr. Speaker, of working and focusing on things that we have in common, things that we believe in in common, and leaving aside those things that we disagree on. The main item that we disagree on in these discussions has been higher taxes. The Republicans and the majority in the House do not believe we ought to raise taxes, and we will not go about raising taxes in exchange for sequester relief. What we want to do instead is to allow for sequester relief and put into law mandatory savings that, in the long run, will exceed the kind of spending reductions that are in the sequester. They are smarter reductions. They make more sense and will allow us to provide, as the gentleman said, for the needs of those who are most wanting in our society. It will also allow for the defense of our country and will put us on to a path of fiscal stability. Mr. Speaker, it takes us focusing and limiting our discussions to those things we have in common. I believe that is the best way forward.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. As we just discussed, we expect there to be a farm bill conference report that we will consider here in the House. We will also look to consider items dealing with our domestic energy supply and the ability for us to maximize the indigenous assets and resources we have here to increase our competitiveness as a country for investment, for job opportunity, and to increase the standard of living for all of working middle class Americans as well as all Americans. I would also say to the gentleman that if the Senate acts in time, we look forward to a conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act as well as various provisions that expire at the end of the year. Obviously, we have SGR and other things that will expire that we will have to take time to deal with. Obviously, we maintain our focus on the rollout of ObamaCare, Mr. Speaker, and our committees will be hard at work trying to understand exactly what is going on with the signup on these exchanges and to once again assert that it is only fair that all Americans are treated equally and fairly under this law, as is expected under every other law.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the order of the House of January 3, 2013, regarding morning-hour debate not apply tomorrow, and when the House adjourns on Thursday, October 24, 2013, it adjourn to meet on Monday, October 28, 2013, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding, and I concur with his thanks to the Capitol Police. As well, each and every day, all of us benefit from their dedication and commitment to our safety, the people who visit this Capitol and its surroundings to their safety, and I know all of us want to extend that thanks just to let them know we really appreciate them.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. As well, on behalf of my colleagues on the majority's side of the aisle, I want to express our thanks to Paul Irving, the Sergeant at Arms Office and the entire team that he heads up in this Capitol for their tireless dedication to our safety and well-being, to our families' safety and well-being. Each and every one of us has been affected and touched by some threat or some risk at some time. Again, I want to express that gratitude to him and his team. Mr. Speaker, as to the gentleman's request about information on the schedule, we did put out an email indicating that we are going to go into morning-hour tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, and legislative business starts at noon. We will also be making an announcement as to the weekend schedule and what we can expect for votes over the weekend.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, we will announce in the morning what to expect as far as votes for the weekend.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman from Kentucky for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. It's interesting, my colleague who just spoke, the Democratic whip, talked about democracy and insisting that we bring democracy to the House. Well, I would respond to my friend and tell him that democracy is founded upon the principle that there is equal treatment under the law. So tonight's debate is not about trying to stifle democracy. Tonight's debate is trying to insist that the minority party and its policies, it's trying to stop the administration from carving out special treatment for its special interests. It's about telling this administration and this President that there should be no special treatment for Members of Congress, there should be no special treatment for big business. We all live under the same laws. Mr. Speaker, hardworking Americans around this country want a government that puts people first. Since ObamaCare was passed--in a highly partisan manner--the President himself and other Members of his party have offered unilateral exemptions and delays for special interest groups and for Members of this Congress. So you've got to ask, Why are Members of Congress exempt from the pains of ObamaCare? Why are these special interests exempt from the pains of ObamaCare? Shouldn't we also exempt the hardworking families of this country from the pains of ObamaCare? There should be no special treatment for anyone under the law. That is a founding principle of this country. No special treatment for anyone. Equal application, equal treatment under the law. Delaying the individual mandate for American families and withdrawing the exemption for Members of Congress is what this bill is about, and it is the right thing to do. Now is the time for our President to lead. Now is the time for the Senate to act. Their stubborn refusal to work across the aisle is the reason why Americans today are so frustrated by what they see in Washington. House Republicans have now offered three possible solutions to fund our government and to protect working middle class families from losing a job, from losing their health care, or losing part of their paycheck due to ObamaCare. Senate Democrats have offered nothing. Yesterday, Mr. Speaker, they didn't even show up for work. No one should shut down the government in order to protect special treatment from Members of this House or the other body. No one should shut down this government in order to protect special treatment for big business and special interests. It is time for all of us to think about America's hardworking middle class families. Now is the time to pass this resolution to keep the government working on behalf of the people who sent us here, and I urge my colleagues in the House to support this continuing resolution.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, the Democratic whip, and refer him to the announcement that came out from my office that we intend for the Senate to act on the continuing resolution sometime today and to receive it here in the House either this afternoon or evening. As per the announcement that we sent out, the House will meet at 10 a.m. for morning-hour tomorrow on Saturday, at noon for legislative business, and Members are advised that we could vote at any point tomorrow or Sunday until the situation surrounding the CR is resolved.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would respond to the gentleman, yes, that would be correct.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gentleman about Sunday's schedule, pending action tomorrow, I am hesitant to commit that there would be no votes on Sunday. I do know, Mr. Speaker, that we're dealing with a day of worship for many people, and would work with that fact as well, if that's the purpose of his question.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. I want to thank the gentleman from Kentucky, the chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the House, for his leadership in bringing this bill forward. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this measure of providing for the continuing resolution. Today, millions of Americans across this country are struggling. They are struggling to find good-paying jobs, and they are struggling to pay their bills, and their frustration with government continues to grow. These Americans--these hardworking, middle class Americans--are counting on their elected Representatives to show leadership during these hard times. This continuing resolution will keep the government funded at its current level without increasing spending on the discretionary level while Congress finishes working on a real budget. Americans are tired of seeing their government continue to spend more and more of their hard-earned tax dollars, and for the first time since the Korean War, it will be possible to have two consecutive years of discretionary spending cuts. This resolution will also protect the working middle class from the devastating effects of ObamaCare. Each week, we hear stories about how both major employers and small businesses are cutting back benefits and cutting back hours. The President's health care law is turning our full-time economy into a part-time economy. Even the heads of major unions who were once so supportive of ObamaCare want to see this law drastically changed to avoid further ``nightmare scenarios.'' Let's defund this law now and protect the American people from the economic calamity that we know ObamaCare will create. Americans back home are fighting for their families, and we in Congress were sent to Washington by our constituents to fight for them. They have put faith in their leaders to do what's right. For this entire Congress, the House has led on restoring faith in our economy and trust in our government. We should pass this continuing resolution so the Senate can finally begin to do the same. Again, I would like to thank the gentleman from Kentucky, the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Hal Rogers, for his work on this measure, along with the help of the gentleman from Louisiana, the Republican Study Committee chairman, Steve Scalise, for his hard work on the issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today it adjourn to meet at 11 a.m. on Monday next.

Mr. CANTOR

Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman from Maryland, the Democratic whip, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, 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. Mr. Speaker, the House will remain in session next week and potentially into the weekend until completion of the continuing resolution. Convening times for a weekend session will be announced later next week. Mr. Speaker, the House will consider a few bills under suspension of the rules, a complete list of which will be announced by the close of business today. In addition, the House will consider H.R. 687, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2013, authored by Representative Paul Gosar. The bipartisan bill will have an economic impact of $60 billion and is expected to create 4,000 jobs for the working middle class. Madam Speaker, I also expect the House to consider and pass a 1-year debt limit increase. This increase will also contain a number of important pro-growth economic policies, health care and non-health care reforms, in addition to a 1-year delay of ObamaCare. Finally, we will continue to work through the serious issues of funding the government. As I stated earlier, the House will not adjourn until the continuing resolution is completed.