July 29, 2011

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement today after Republicans filibustered a bipartisan solution to cut the deficit and avoid default:

“We are seeing something we have seen far too many times in the Senate: another filibuster. But this is the worst possible time to hold a filibuster. Our economy hangs in the balance. The proposal I have put forward is a reasonable compromise. It gives Democrats what they want, and it gives Republicans what they want. If we do nothing, our country will fail to pay its bills for the first time in history. Social Security checks could stop. Paychecks to our troops could stop.

“This compromise proposal deserves a fair up or down vote. The House will hold an up or down vote on my proposal. We should be allowed to do the same. But Republicans are blocking it with our economy on the line.

“It is time to be adults. It is time to come together and compromise. That is what the American people want, and that is what we need to do.”