Washington, D.C. – Representative Reid Ribble (R-WI) participated in a colloquy last night with Representative Kurt Schrader (D-OR) that focused on the critical issues facing the nation: federal budget, spending, taxes and economic growth. This unique discussion demonstrated that members from both parties can express their views and engage in debates in a respectful, constructive manner. 

To watch Rep. Ribble and Rep. Schrader discuss the need to rein in federal spending, click here

Excerpt from clip:

“Over the next decade, the federal government is expected to spend $43 trillion. If the Super Committee only cuts $1.2 trillion as required by the budget control act, we reduce federal spending by only 2.7%. If the Super Committee would go big and agrees to cut $4 trillion over 10 years, we are still only cutting the federal budget by 9.1%. Mr. Speaker, we can do better and we must do better. We cannot continue to spend our nation's future away. My children, my grandchildren, deserve so much better and so much more. I'm proud tonight to stand here with one of my colleagues, the gentleman from Oregon, to have a discussion tonight about this very issue. Republicans and Democrats alike, we believe that we must do more, be more, and be better for the next generation of Americans.”

To watch Rep. Ribble talk about the need for tax reform at the corporate, small business and working-family level, click here

Excerpt from clip:

“When our country was founded they were able to print it [Constitution] out in 30 pages and yet today our tax code is almost 10,000 pages… We need to simplify this tax code. I would challenge the Super Committee to this as they look at ways to remove loopholes, remove tax deductions and simplify this tax code so we can have a tax code that is fairer, simpler and easier for the American people.

“Take, for example, my own small business. During my career, I had C corporations, S Corporations and LLC corporations. We would pass through to our share holders and employees and pay those taxes at a personal level. It's easier to say well, let's change the tax code for businesses, but if we don't change the tax code for every American to make it fairer, easier and simpler to comply with, we don't get at the problem.”

To watch Rep. Ribble and Rep. Schrader talk about the need for bipartisanship, click here

Excerpt from clip:

“We have to somehow find a way to begin to speak to each other like adults. The things that we teach our children when they go to kindergarten, we could learn here. We have to learn to listen with open ears and see each other in a different light and begin to actually have solid debate without criticizing the person, without demonizing the individual and without demonizing the idea. Let's instead open our debate, open our ears, open our eyes and find solutions so that our children and grandchildren can have a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow. It's part of the reason that my friend and colleague from Oregon and I came to the chamber tonight, so that we could have this conversation and demonstrate to the American people that it is possible to treat each other with respect even when we have some disagreement.”

The full colloquy can be viewed here

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