Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz, senior member of the House Budget Committee, delivered the following speech today on floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Last week we saw real signs of economic recovery when the unemployment rate dropped below 9 percent for the first time in two years. This is encouraging news, but we still have a long way to go to promote private sector growth.

“The Republicans are digging their heels in on billions of dollars of reckless spending cuts that threaten our economic growth and put 700,000 American jobs at risk.

“We agree spending cuts are necessary to reduce the deficit. This is not about whether to cut or not. This is about where to cut, how much to cut, and how fast to cut.

“The Republican agenda threatens our core obligations to our seniors, our safety and our future.

“We need disciplined budgeting.  We need targeted cuts that won't hurt our economy.  And we need strategic investments to make America competitive for future generations.

“Republicans are putting partisan politics ahead of American priorities.

“Instead of enacting job-destroying cuts, we should be focusing on job creation and sound budgeting.

“Enough is enough. It's time to get serious and pass a responsible spending plan that grows the economy and invests in the future.”

Watch Rep. Schwartz on the floor here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmVTs_IvLt4

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