Washington, Dec 20, 2011 - Recently, Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives about the upcoming holiday season and the many things we should be thankful for, but also to remind his colleagues in Congress there are still several critical issues which need to be addressed immediately.

Congressman Silvestre Reyes delivered the following statement on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives:

“As we enjoy the holiday season, the majority of us will be fortunate enough to spend this time being surrounded by family and friends.  We should be grateful for this, but at the same time we should not forget that during this holiday season there are some among us who are homeless, out of a job or simply do not know where their next meal will come from.  This should serve an important reminder that Congress must work to address these critical issues.  It is unacceptable that partisan politics and the broken record of blaming each other prevent Congress from accomplishing what really matters—stabilizing our country’s economy.
 
“It is imperative that we create jobs and put people back to work.  Passing the Jobs Act is the first step to restoring the middle class and rebuilding our economy, which has still not recovered from the 2006 collapse that was caused by the failed Republican economic policies that brought us to the brink of a financial meltdown.  This bill, introduced by my Democratic colleagues, will bring El Paso over $66,000,000 to upgrade and modernize our schools to meet 21st century needs and even more resources to ultimately keep El Paso’s teachers doing what they do best, teaching America’s future.  
 
“Today, because of our nation’s economic hardships, millions of Americans depend on unemployment benefits to provide the basic necessities to their families.  The unemployment benefit extension we passed in the Democrat-controlled Congress kept over 3 million people out of poverty, and served as a stimulus to our struggling economy.  We must protect these families by maintaining these benefits so we do not take money out of the hands of Americans still struggling to find a stable source of income.
 
“Social Security has been unnecessarily targeted as part of the debt-reduction talks.  We cannot afford to jeopardize our seniors, disabled workers, widows, and children who receive Social Security benefits.  In the 16th District of Texas, which I proudly represent, more than 98,000 of my constituents receive Social Security benefits.  We cannot put at risk the lives of thousands of seniors who worked hard to earn these benefits and enjoy their well deserved retirement.
 
“We cannot, and I will not, turn our backs on the American people.  Rather than the distractions being raised by the Majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, we must focus on our priority, which should be the creation of jobs and protecting our most vulnerable.
 
“I reiterate once again the commitment I have to El Pasoans that I will continue to fight for these issues here in Washington, D.C., as long as I have the honor and privilege of representing you.
 
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.”