[Page H2537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, our Nation is standing at 
a crossroads. The government can continue to mortgage America's future 
by reckless borrowing, which is a threat to the young people of our 
country, it's a threat to our senior citizens, or we can limit the 
growth of government. We are facing a government shutdown today, as 
liberals are driving our Nation to a permanent economic shutdown. Dr. 
Skeet Burris is correct.
  Yesterday, the House passed a bill funding the troops and military 
families for the rest of the year. Senate Democrats have yet another 
opportunity to pass a budget. They have had 48 days to act but have 
refused. Yesterday, liberals laughed and mocked Republican Leader Eric 
Cantor when he warned of bankruptcy, but Eric was standing up for 
freedom in the best Virginia tradition.
  We face a shutdown today because the liberal majority in the House 
last year failed to pass a budget. The new Republican majority did pass 
a budget 48 days ago, but the liberal majority in the Senate failed to 
act. Citizens should call liberals and demand they pass a budget today.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

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