Speaker Ryan: Discusses House Republican agenda at weekly leadership press conference

Summary: At today’s weekly Republican leadership press conference, Speaker Ryan looked ahead to the work the House will take up over the next several weeks, including a federal financial aid counseling bill and conference on the farm bill. He also shared some economic highlights demonstrating how the U.S. economy is better off now.

Opening Statement:

“Look, let me just say this: We’ve got a really good opportunity over the next several weeks to get some really big things done.

“There are some things that we are going to get done for the American people.

“And we have a good bill on the floor today, for starters.

“It will provide better financial literacy counseling to students receiving [federal] financial aid.

“It is an important change to support students through this very complicated system.

“And it’s another thing we are doing to reduce roadblocks to opportunities.

“We’re making progress on a number of critical areas: opioids, appropriations, the farm bill.

“We see this farm bill as a chance to make common-sense reforms to shift our federal benefits system to one that incentivizes work.

“There could not be a better time to be doing this, with all the momentum driving our economy. 

“Worker satisfaction is at its highest level in 12 years.

“Consumer confidence is at its highest level in 18 years.

“Just yesterday, an index showed manufacturing activity is at its highest level in 14 years.

“This is an economy brimming with confidence. This is an economy brimming with opportunities.

“The American people really are better off now.

“And we have a chance to make things even better. 

“And if you want to learn more about this—and I’m sure you’re covering this constantly—go to better.gop.

“And you will see that we have made good on our promises.

“We have made good on our policies. We have put these policies into law, and they are making a positive difference in people’s lives in this country. 

“That’s why we’re here, and we’re very gratified and we have more work to do.”