Podcast of the address:
Download MP3 for PODCAST FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT BELOW. Video of the address will be available here once the embargo is lifted. 6:00 a.m. ET, Saturday, September 25, 2010 ||
MP4 File ||
MPEG File ||
Washington (Sep 24) In the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) discusses “A Pledge to America,” a new governing agenda built by listening to the American people and focused on addressing their top priorities – including creating jobs, cutting spending, and changing the way Congress works. Rep. McCarthy talks about how this agenda could be implemented today if President Obama and Democratic Leaders would allow it. Now in his second term, Rep. McCarthy serves as chairman of the America Speaking Out project that culminated in Thursday’s release of “A Pledge to America.”
| “Hi, I’m Congressman Kevin McCarthy of California.
“This week Republicans made a Pledge to America. |
“Our new governing agenda answers the question so many Americans are asking: will we leave to our children a stronger, healthier, more prosperous country than our parents left us? As we stand here before you, the future of our country hangs in the balance. Across this great nation, mothers and fathers wonder if their children will find the same opportunities for success that existed just a generation ago.
“Can you blame them? As a result of the economically disastrous policies of the current administration, millions of Americans are out of work today, and our children will be saddled with a deficit and debt that is -- by every definition -- out of control.
“We have more people depending on food stamps to feed their families than at any point in history. The economy is so dire that one in six Americans has to rely on government assistance for financial support. One in six. The land of opportunity has become the land of shrinking prosperity.
“Americans across the country are outraged, and so are we. Just as John Hancock boldly signed his name to the Declaration of Independence so that even Britain’s King George could read it, I want to say this slowly so there is no room for misinterpretation…
“Our government has failed us.
“From the billion-dollar bailouts to the ‘stimulus’ package that failed to stimulate to the government takeover of health care, you cried “STOP!”…but the Democratic Majority in Washington has refused to listen.
“I am speaking to you on behalf of Republicans to tell you that we’ve been listening, and we’ve heard you. We heard you loud and clear, and we assure you that there is nothing more inspiring than the common voice of the common man.
“When you said you wanted a prosperous, competitive economy, we heard you.
“When you said you wanted a more accountable government, we heard you.
“When you said you didn’t want a government takeover of health care, we heard you.
“We know that you want a government dedicated to working for the people, and that’s why we’ve written this Pledge to America. This pledge isn’t about Republicans or Democrats, liberals or conservatives – it’s about you.
“This pledge focuses largely on three things:
* a plan to create jobs, end economic uncertainty, and make America more competitive;
* a plan to cut wasteful Washington spending and reduce the size of government;
* a plan to reform Congress and restore trust in government.
“The new agenda embodies Americans’ rejection of the notion that we can simply tax, borrow and spend our way to prosperity. It offers a new way forward that hasn’t been tried in Washington – an approach focused on cutting spending – which is sadly a new idea for a Congress accustomed to always accelerating it.
“To put Americans back to work, our agenda seeks to eliminate uncertainty for the private-sector innovators and entrepreneurs who create jobs.
“And it commits to immediate action to change the way Congress works, recognizing that the current structure is rigged to minimize public scrutiny and facilitate unnecessary spending.
“This pledge is a governing agenda that could be implemented right now if the powers-that-be in Washington would allow it. We are calling on Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid to implement these proposals before Congress adjourns for the fall.
“We go forward now with optimism and a firm belief that we live in a land of great promise and great possibilities… a land where – until recently, our tomorrows have held more promise than our yesterdays.
“We are not ready to concede the fight for the prosperity of our country. We refuse to believe that the same American dream that shone so brightly for our parents has dimmed for our children. We must reverse our current course of action and reject the job-killing policies of the Democratic Majority. We will take back our country and restore our right to a better future.
“This is our pledge to America.”
AUDIO/VIDEO CREDIT: The House Republican Conference - Digital Communications visual.media@mail.house.gov 202-225-5439
TEXT CREDIT:
gopleader.gov Contact H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-4000 F (202) 225-5117
IMAGE CREDIT:
HouseConference