East County Magazine: Sequester Harms San Diego; Bipartisan Solution Needed

March 12, 2013

By Congressman Scott Peters (D-San Diego)

March 12, 2013 — Two weeks before the sequester took effect, House leadership called a recess and sent us home. As a former Port Commissioner and City Council president, that was foreign to me. I could not believe, with the amount of work still to be done, we were sent home. And, even more frustrating, that we were sent home without being allowed to vote on a single alternative to the sequester, because leadership didn’t agree with the legislation. This, in my opinion, is not representative of the democratic process that the United States is regarded for.

I used my time at home to send a message back to Washington. I worked with our port commissioners, scientific research community and maritime workers to tell Congress that the negative effects of the sequester will be felt in San Diego through layoffs, furloughs, stifled research and decreased GDP.

Two weeks ago, I spent every day on the House floor bringing attention to the sequester and urging Congress to work together. Last Thursday, the final day to avoid the sequester, I asked leadership to stay in session to find a solution.

Leadership decided to adjourn but my appeals did not fall completely on deaf ears. This week, since returning, I have heard from both Democrats and Republicans who want to find a responsible alternative to the sequester, and who believe these solutions can be accomplished in our upcoming budget negotiations.

On March 27th, the “continuing resolution” that Congress passed last year in lieu of a budget, will expire. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle see an opportunity for us to stop the politics enough to address our serious fiscal problems – including the sequester – with a responsible budget that raises revenues by closing tax loopholes and reins in our spending.

I’m determined to do my part to get Congress working again. Since day one I’ve looked for partners on both sides of the aisle who have a similar mindset and determination to put aside political agendas and problem solve.

This is just the beginning of a trying journey, but if we remember our purpose, this journey will also be rewarding. It is my great honor to represent you in Congress, and I am working hard every day to make you proud.

Original link: http://eastcountymagazine.org/node/12712

3.31.02

News

Peters called ā€œone of the more statesmanlike of our elected representativesā€

Young, old challenge San Diego's history of civic status quoBy Neil MorganSAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNEMarch 31, 2002I welcome the tangy...

Paid for by Scott Peters for Congress

Share

California District 52

Is Scott your Representative in Congress?

Type in your address to find out.

You are in District 52!

For more ways to help, please check out the link below:

Get Involved

Not in this district!

According to our data, you are not in District 52! Please verify this information at the CA Dems website!

CA Dems

The data here is provided by 3rd-party services. For best results, please visit CA Dems