Congresswoman Mazie Hirono has had enough of the debt debate, and wants to return to tasks like job creation and improving education. Here’s what she had to say when asked on Tuesday about the increasing tension on Capitol Hill: 

“I think we should be listening to the mood outside of Washington. People just want us to get on with things. Outside of Washington, people are concerned about jobs. Fourteen million are still unemployed. They want the economy to get going.”

Hirono said she’s still holding out for a “clean” bill to increase the debt ceiling, a resolution that would omit the kind of conditions that have led to a standoff between Democrats and Republicans. 

“Clearly, I’m not going to be supporting something that balances everything on the backs of seniors and poor people,” Hirono said. “To use Medicare and Social Security as hostages in this discussion is not the way to go, and frankly, I don’t know what the resolution will be.”

We may find out soon, though. The Washington Post reports that President Barack Obama on Tuesday afternoon praised the latest debt plan out of the Senate, calling it a “very significant step.” 

As for what Hirono is focusing on, education continues to be a priority. She told DC808 that she’s working on a bill that “brings together early education with K-3, so that there’s much more collaboration and synergy.”