Washington Democrats Should Negotiate

Floor Speech

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, President John F. Kennedy once said, ``Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.''

House Republicans are willing to negotiate. House Republicans have been proactive in preventing a shutdown by passing four different pieces of legislation that keep the government functioning.

Unfortunately, the President and Senate Democrats have slammed the door and have refused to come to the table and negotiate until--just announced--tonight.

This sentiment is shared outside of Washington. Yesterday, I received a letter from a constituent saying:

Refusing to come to the table, Obama and Reid are counting on the media lapdogs to blame Republicans. I understand that. Washington is putting incredible pressure on the House to cave, but the American people feel differently.

We are now on Day 2 of a government shutdown. It's past time for Washington Democrats to join House Republicans and work together to find a solution.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

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