WASHINGTON-Thanking credit unions for what they do for their communities, Speaker of the House John Boehner urged those attending CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference to play another important role.
In a brief address that largely echoed the Republican party line, Boehner emphasized that the U.S. is on the verge of an American renaissance driven largely by greater domestic energy production-but there are critical steps Washington and Americans need to take to ensure the rebirth occurs, the Speaker said.
"We are moving quickly toward energy independence," said Boehner. "We are producing much more oil and gas than what we have produced in long time. There is more oil and gas out there than anyone ever guessed. That will give U.S. manufacturers a competitive edge in the global marketplace."
To achieve the renaissance, Boehner said the country will have to fix a broken tax code and its growing debt problem, and make certain America's youth receive the education they need to succeed.
"Americans spend $500 billion a year to comply with our overburdened tax code," said Boehner. "I hope we are on the verge of moving a tax bill to lower rates for all and clear out some of the loopholes and nonsense that are there."
Boehner, too, expressed a great deal of concern for the U.S. national debt of $16 trillion. "Not one of you here today fails to realize we can't spend money we don't have. America has to grapple with this issue.
"Not only will that help address critical entitlement programs, such as Social Security and Medicare, balancing the budget will give entrepreneurs and investors "more confidence in our country."
Can't Read The Diploma
Pausing before addressing his final point, Boehner insisted the renaissance can't happen unless everyone in the U.S. works diligently to make sure youth receive a good education. "Now, little more than half of our young adults get a diploma, and many of them still can't read the piece of paper. We all have to play a role in helping to ensure our kids get a better chance at a good education."
Boehner concluded by saying that many believe the American Dream is in peril. "It does not have to be, not if leaders can put political differences aside and find a common ground-and if all Americans stand up and demand that Washington fixes (the situation we are in)."
