WASHINGTON, DC—Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn today delivered remarks during House consideration of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s updated version of the Budget Control Act.  Following are his remarks as prepared:

“Thank you, Madam Speaker.

“The clock is ticking, the American people are anxiously waiting for responsible leadership, and the Republicans here in Congress are continuing to play political games.

“Last night, the United States Senate rightly defeated the Boehner bill on a bipartisan vote.   That partisan bill was the product of the Republicans’ “my way or the highway” approach that held the entire American hostage to exact a ransom payment from Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security beneficiaries.

“Now, we must find a common sense compromise.  That is why I will vote for the Reid bill today.  The Reid bill saves America’s economy from the devastation that would result from defaulting on our fiduciary obligations.  Throughout the deliberations on this debt crisis, my bottom line has been to protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.   This plan contains real spending cuts and deficit reduction to begin to put our nation’s fiscal house in order.   It meets the Speaker’s requirement that spending be cut by an amount at least as large as the debt ceiling increase.  And it does so while protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.  It also safeguards Pell Grants that provide low-income young people the opportunity to go to college and work to achieve the American Dream.

“We must take responsible action now to avert this crisis and move to significant measures to create jobs and generate economic growth through investment in infrastructure, innovation and education.  Thank you, I yield back my time.”