New York - Congressman Charles B. Rangel told reporters Tuesday night that the job of Congress to restore the vibrancy of the American economy remains the same regardless of which party holds control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Now that the election season is behind us, I do hope that we can return to Washington and get back to working together to do what’s right in terms of bringing our military back home, holding on to healthcare and continuing to invest in education and trade not just for my community, but for the entire country”
Congressman Rangel speaks to reporters Tuesday evening
Election returns Wednesday indicated a shift in majority control of the House for the first time since 2006. Rangel didn't want to speculate what Republican leadership of the House would mean for progressive legislation or relations with the Obama Administration.
“We don’t know. If the Republicans want to move forward with cooperation with the President, then I assume that compromises would have to be made on both sides of the aisle. But if it has been reported that the next two years is to bring down the President of the United States, then they do that at the expense of our national security and the well-being of the country,” said the Congressman.
Rangel pointed to continuing frustration with the pace of economic recovery for the wave that swept a host of incumbents from both parties out of their seats. However, he insisted that a lot had been accomplished over the last two years not only to bring the nation back from the brink of financial ruin, but also to deal with long-term challenges that threaten to limit opportunities at home and the global competitiveness abroad.
"Two years ago, we elected an African American president who since then made tremendous advancements in terms of leveling the playing field and providing opportunities for all Americans. He and this Congress made important investments in expanding access to affordable healthcare, supporting small businesses and providing the kind of education needed to compete in a high tech world. That's the direction that we were going and that is the direction we need to fight for if we are to move this country forward," said Rangel. "Whatever the current setbacks, I am confident that when it's all said and done, history will record that we were on the right side of the issues."
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