Hank: Despite sequestration, House GOP wastes two days on helium

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On April 25, U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) spoke on the House floor against the Republican leadership’s waste of precious legislative time debating the Federal Helium Reserve while sequestration remains unsolved. The noncontroversial Responsible Helium Administration and Stewardship Act, H.R. 527, passed the House on Thursday 394-1, yet House Republican leaders dedicated two full legislative days to debating it.

“Surely those harmed by sequestration and those harmed by the Republican failure to appoint budget conferees appreciate the House spending two full legislative days on this critical issue.
America would be much better off if this Tea Party Republican Congress brought to the floor issues that mean the most to Americans.”

Adding some levity to his remarks, Rep. Johnson continued, “Today, the House has chosen to float above it all, and finally do something for the American People… Too often lately this body has sat deflated –not for lack of hot air mind you. But seriously ladies and gentlemen, unlike a noble element, this House has failed to act on American’s real concerns. There are serious reasons to support this bill and I look forward to supporting it. This bill is not the problem. Sadly Republicans are just blowing in the wind and can’t seem to tie themselves down.”

The Republican-led House, which operates on a calendar set by Republican Leadership leaves for another vacation this weekend. The House has been in session just 47 out of 116 days this year. Despite their continued failure to address the budget, the jobs crisis, sequestration, and climate change, Republican House leadership spent most of this week on noncontroversial legislation that required no debate.

To view the floor speech, click HERE.

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