Working Together on Behalf of the American People
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/12/21/weekly-address-working-together-behalf-american-people?utm_source=snapshot&utm_medium=email&utm_content=122113-topper
Weekly Address
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/12/21/weekly-address-working-together-behalf-american-people
Hi, everybody. This
week, Congress finished up some important work before heading home for the
holidays.
For the first time in years, both parties came together in
the spirit of compromise to pass a budget – one that helps chart our economic
course for the next two years. This
budget will unwind some of the damaging cuts that have threatened students and
seniors and held back our businesses. It
clears the path for critical investments in the things that grow our economy
and strengthen our middle class, like education and research. And it will keep reducing our deficits – at a
time when we’ve seen four years of the fastest deficit reduction since the end
of World War II.
Members of Congress also voted to finally allow several dedicated
and well-qualified public servants to do their jobs for the American people –
many of whom waited months for a simple yes-or-no vote. These are judges, cabinet secretaries and
military leaders. They’re men and women
charged with growing our economy, keeping our homeland secure, and making sure
our housing system and financial system work for ordinary Americans.
So after a year of showdowns and obstruction that only held
back our economy, we’ve been able to break the logjam a bit over the last few
weeks. It’s a hopeful sign that we can
end the cycle of short-sighted, crisis-driven decision-making and actually work
together to get things done.
And that’s important.
Because there’s plenty of work to do.
Right now, because Congress failed to act before leaving on
vacation, more than one million Americans are poised to lose a vital source of
income just a few days after Christmas.
For many people who are still looking for work, unemployment insurance
is a lifeline that can make the difference between temporary hardship or
lasting catastrophe. Instead of
punishing these families who can least afford it – especially now – Congress
should first restore that lifeline immediately, then put their entire focus on
creating more good jobs that pay good wages.
That’s what I’ll be focused on next year, and every day I
have the privilege of being your President.
Growing the economy. Expanding
opportunity. Building an America that
offers everyone who works hard the chance to get ahead, and every child a fair
shot at success.
And if Congress continues to act in the spirit of
cooperation we’ve seen in recent weeks, I’m confident we can make much more
progress together in the year to come.
Thank you. Have a
great weekend and a very Merry Christmas.