January 06, 2009
Boehner's Remarks at the Opening of 111th Congress
By
John Boehner
Madame Speaker, Leader Hoyer, fellow Members, new Members and a special welcome to our new members and their families and friends who are here today.
We begin this new Congress at a time of great challenge for the American people. This winter, working families are struggling to pay their bills and keep their homes. Small businesses are being forced to choose between cutting jobs and closing their doors. Health costs are rising. College savings funds and 401(k)s have declined in value substantially. Parents are deeply worried about their children's future.
It's a time of anxiety for millions of Americans, some of whom face economic challenges not seen in this country for generations. When things are at their worst for the American people, I think we owe them our best. And this Congress must rise to the occasion.
Two weeks from today we'll inaugurate a new President. President-elect Obama has expressed a desire to govern from the center and put the needs of our country first. I think all of you know that Washington is a difficult town, and it won't always be easy for him to do these things. But when our new President extends his hand across the aisle to do what is right for our country, Republicans will extend ours in return.
During the 111th Congress, Republicans will strive NOT to be the party of opposition, but the party of better solutions. President-elect Obama's calls for inclusiveness are already being put to the test. He's called on Congress to move quickly and in a bipartisan fashion on legislation to help our economy. And at this time of economic anxiety, the American people deserve open debate and transparency in their Congress - key ingredients needed to produce good legislation. My hope is we'll adopt a rules package for the new Congress that encourages transparency and open debate, and helps ensure that our institution is accountable to the people it serves.
Our nation has faced adversity before, and we've never failed to meet the challenge. This is because America is a land of limitless potential. And when we harness the will of the American people, commit ourselves to making the most of the blessings God has bestowed on this great country, and bring all these gifts to bear on a common goal, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.
America's potential is unlimited. But government's potential is not. We must not confuse the two.
We can't simply spend our way back to prosperity. Our responsibility as elected leaders in a flagging economy is to craft policies that allow our country's potential to be unleashed. America runs on freedom. It's the fuel of our economy and it's the fuel of our democracy. The more we spend and the more we tax, the less freedom we will have left.
So we need to take responsible action together to help put our economy back on a path toward prosperity. And the months ahead can be a time of hope and renewal in America. The American people are giving their best. Here in the Congress, we need to do the same.
Madame Speaker, as we start the new Congress, we stand ready to work with you and your fellow Democrats for genuine solutions... for real reforms that put the needs of our country first and bring the blessings of liberty fully to bear on the challenges the American people face. And it's in that spirit, it's my privilege to present the gavel to you as we begin the 111th Congress.
John Boehner is a United States Representative from Ohio and the House minority leader.
