In the absence of a remedial measure like patent-life extension, the industry will continue its decline, resulting in incalculable losses to the U.S. economy and poorer medical care for its citizens.

WSJ: Should Patents on Pharmaceuticals Be Extended to Encourage Innovation?

For Congress to act, to pass -- to come to an agreement, because of the nature of the recess there and they have the capacity to pass a unanimous consent measure that would allow an extension to be passed, which is the same kind of extension that has been passed 20 previous times just since 2007 that would send those Americans back on the job.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

The bill, which would grant a three-month debt limit extension, also includes a measure to push Congress to pass a federal budget by 15 April.

BBC: Debt ceiling debate: Republicans to hold vote

And on every measure of the American Jobs Act, including the payroll tax cut extension and expansion, there is overwhelming public support -- Democratic, independent, Republican support.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

For example, the financial exchanges threatened to leave town until the state legislature gave them a special tax break, with an extension of a tax break for Sears thrown in for good measure.

FORBES: City of the Big Shoulders, Big Disappointments