Scott Rigell

Mr. RIGELL

Mr. RIGELL. Mr. Speaker, when future generations look back at the 112th Congress, they should be able to remember us as the Congress that made the tough decisions that got our economy back on track and restored America to greatness. That's why I fully support the commitment to cut at least $100 billion from the President's budget. We're a country that is over $14 trillion in debt, which is placing every American, regardless of political party, at serious and increasing risk. We're borrowing more than 40 percent of what we're spending, and my 2-year-old grandson is already $45,000 in debt. And to say that our spending is simply unsustainable, that doesn't quite capture in my mind the gravity of our situation. To meet the deep obligation that we have to pass on to the future generations the blessings of liberty and freedom, we must act now and act decisively. That's why I'm here this morning to emphatically ask that this Congress, in this session, works together to find our way to $100 billion in cuts.

Mr. RIGELL

Mr. RIGELL. I thank my colleague from California. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution today. We gather here to remember the innocent people whose lives were cut tragically short by the horror that unfolded in Arizona on Saturday. We also gather to honor and pray for our colleague, Representative Giffords, and the others wounded in that attack. It was a real privilege for me to participate in the reading of the Constitution with Gabby, and I anxiously look forward to her return to the House floor. Joined by so many in Virginia's Second District, I offer my heartfelt condolences to all of those affected by this tragedy. I commend the citizens, the first responders, and the health care professionals who bravely worked to protect and save lives. We are blessed to live in a country where freedom and the opportunity to peacefully assemble and petition our elected officials, even at a grocery store, is a cherished right. We uphold that right today, and we stand united in condemning this senseless act of violence. My wife, Teri, joins me and all of this body in praying for those who lost their lives, for those who were wounded and their families. May God bless America and bring peace to America.

Mr. RIGELL

Mr. RIGELL. Amendment 14: ``All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.''