Thursday, November 17, 2005
Press Release: STRATEGIC INTERNATIONAL AID TO BUILD ALLIANCE AGAINST TERRORISM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
From the office of Ike Skelton (D - MO)
November 17, 2005
STRATEGIC INTERNATIONAL AID TO BUILD ALLIANCE AGAINST TERRORISM
The US has put up enormous effort to overcome international terrorism with its military presence. But as proposed budgets show, we fail to build presence and improve our image in areas of conflict using different, peaceful measures. Terrorism can only grow when our opponents are able to persuade others that the US can only harm them. We need to show that this is not true.
We can increase our presence in strategically vital areas of the Islamic world such as Lebanon, Qatar or Pakistan by assisting and helping them fighting poverty, creating jobs and improving public services such as health and education. These efforts would not be just human; these are soft tools to maintain national security. It is cheaper than conventional military power and proven to work by the Marshall Plan. And these efforts would show what America is about.
Contact House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi/Ed Takashima or Ike Skelton/Erdem Ovacik if you have any questions.
From the office of Ike Skelton (D - MO)
November 17, 2005
STRATEGIC INTERNATIONAL AID TO BUILD ALLIANCE AGAINST TERRORISM
The US has put up enormous effort to overcome international terrorism with its military presence. But as proposed budgets show, we fail to build presence and improve our image in areas of conflict using different, peaceful measures. Terrorism can only grow when our opponents are able to persuade others that the US can only harm them. We need to show that this is not true.
We can increase our presence in strategically vital areas of the Islamic world such as Lebanon, Qatar or Pakistan by assisting and helping them fighting poverty, creating jobs and improving public services such as health and education. These efforts would not be just human; these are soft tools to maintain national security. It is cheaper than conventional military power and proven to work by the Marshall Plan. And these efforts would show what America is about.
Contact House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi/Ed Takashima or Ike Skelton/Erdem Ovacik if you have any questions.
Press Release: Democrats fell asleep and didn't know it.
Democrats: “I think I fell asleep and didn’t even know it.”
During a decisive bi-partisan meeting this afternoon, a Democrat representative – whose identity will be spared – pried herself from her chair and mumbled, “I think I fell asleep and didn’t even know it.” This lapse in concentration and commitment epitomizes the Democrats’ failure as a political party. Dedicated Republicans, in a good faith effort, attempted to negotiate a suitable budget compromise, but were quickly rebuffed by short-sighted, lifeless Democrats.
Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) spearheaded the meeting and was shocked and dismayed by the Democrat’s behavior: “I went out of my way to meet with Democrat representatives and endeavored to understand their six schizophrenic budget proposals, but was unable to obtain a straight answer or even a conscious and thoughtful exchange.”
Both Republicans and Democrats published their respective budget proposals yesterday after a fury of in-party negotiations. Republicans – in a powerful display of solidarity and vision – proposed a single, comprehensive budget committed to national security and a robust economy. Democrats, on the other hand, stumbled out of their negotiations with six drastically divergent budget proposals, symbolizing their political incompetence.
Some political analysts, in an effort to rationalize the six budget alternatives, argue the Democrats are attempting to overwhelm and confuse Republicans by offering a myriad of proposals. Insiders close to the party indicate, however, a fractured and overzealous Democratic leadership has lost all grips on political reality.
With only a few days before the final vote is cast, Democrats are scrambling to regroup and siphon off various moderate Republicans. Current trends indicate that this will be a difficult, if not impossible, task.
Smith Johnson, President of Citizens for a Stronger America, reports.
During a decisive bi-partisan meeting this afternoon, a Democrat representative – whose identity will be spared – pried herself from her chair and mumbled, “I think I fell asleep and didn’t even know it.” This lapse in concentration and commitment epitomizes the Democrats’ failure as a political party. Dedicated Republicans, in a good faith effort, attempted to negotiate a suitable budget compromise, but were quickly rebuffed by short-sighted, lifeless Democrats.
Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) spearheaded the meeting and was shocked and dismayed by the Democrat’s behavior: “I went out of my way to meet with Democrat representatives and endeavored to understand their six schizophrenic budget proposals, but was unable to obtain a straight answer or even a conscious and thoughtful exchange.”
Both Republicans and Democrats published their respective budget proposals yesterday after a fury of in-party negotiations. Republicans – in a powerful display of solidarity and vision – proposed a single, comprehensive budget committed to national security and a robust economy. Democrats, on the other hand, stumbled out of their negotiations with six drastically divergent budget proposals, symbolizing their political incompetence.
Some political analysts, in an effort to rationalize the six budget alternatives, argue the Democrats are attempting to overwhelm and confuse Republicans by offering a myriad of proposals. Insiders close to the party indicate, however, a fractured and overzealous Democratic leadership has lost all grips on political reality.
With only a few days before the final vote is cast, Democrats are scrambling to regroup and siphon off various moderate Republicans. Current trends indicate that this will be a difficult, if not impossible, task.
Smith Johnson, President of Citizens for a Stronger America, reports.
Editorial from the DeKalb Daily Chronicle, DeKalb Illinois
Editorial from the DeKalb Daily Chronicle, DeKalb Illinois
Six of One, Half Dozen of the Other: No Matter Which You Choose Every Dem Alternative is Bad
Typical! At a time when America’s confidence in its leaders is at an all time low and there is an opportunity for Democrats to prove that they can be an effective governing party, what do they do? They release six ridiculous budget proposals that’s what. Six! Don’t believe the hype. There is no such thing as a “New Democratic party.” They proved yesterday that there is only one thing that unites them and it’s not working to move America forward.
No doubt the Democrats would be able to cobble together some unanimity if the question before them was how much they hate the President. Unfortunately for ordinary Americans, the question before congress is our fiscal future and the Dems have hopelessly fractured.
Perhaps the Democrats could be forgiven if the content of the SIX DIFFERENT proposals had some redeeming value. Unfortunately, that is too much to hope for. Since combing through the mountain of budget proposals would take some time, your friendly editors here at the Chronicle have done it for you. Here are some “highlights” from the Democratic plans (emphasis on the plural) for America:
• Raise taxes over 1 trillion dollars! Enough said. (Option E)
• Eliminate funding from the Dept. of Energy for applied research for fossil fuels. This programs works to find ways to better use our planet’s energy sources. Cutting this program is both economically unwise and environmentally unfriendly. (All Dem Options)
• Cut Food Stamps benefits. And the Democrats claim to be the party of the underprivileged! (All)
• Raise rates for CHIP. Again, unbelievable. With America’s health system in crisis, the Democrats want to make it more expensive for children to obtain health insurance. What do all those tax hikes get us if getting our kids health care is going to be even more expensive? (All)
• Actually increase spending over five years on Mandatory programs. By almost $300 Billion! When Americans are demanding that Government slim down and become more efficient, Democrats propose fattening it up some. (Democratic Main and Option E)
The list could go on and on. As for the alternative, of course the Republican budget isn’t perfect. No budget that deals with over 200 different line items could be perfect. But it clearly sets America’s priorities straight. With one clear voice, the Republicans have declared that the federal deficit will be cut in half, that vital aspects of Medicare and Social Security will be protected, that America’s defense cannot be sacrificed, and that leadership comes in the form of one budget alternative, not six!
Six of One, Half Dozen of the Other: No Matter Which You Choose Every Dem Alternative is Bad
Typical! At a time when America’s confidence in its leaders is at an all time low and there is an opportunity for Democrats to prove that they can be an effective governing party, what do they do? They release six ridiculous budget proposals that’s what. Six! Don’t believe the hype. There is no such thing as a “New Democratic party.” They proved yesterday that there is only one thing that unites them and it’s not working to move America forward.
No doubt the Democrats would be able to cobble together some unanimity if the question before them was how much they hate the President. Unfortunately for ordinary Americans, the question before congress is our fiscal future and the Dems have hopelessly fractured.
Perhaps the Democrats could be forgiven if the content of the SIX DIFFERENT proposals had some redeeming value. Unfortunately, that is too much to hope for. Since combing through the mountain of budget proposals would take some time, your friendly editors here at the Chronicle have done it for you. Here are some “highlights” from the Democratic plans (emphasis on the plural) for America:
• Raise taxes over 1 trillion dollars! Enough said. (Option E)
• Eliminate funding from the Dept. of Energy for applied research for fossil fuels. This programs works to find ways to better use our planet’s energy sources. Cutting this program is both economically unwise and environmentally unfriendly. (All Dem Options)
• Cut Food Stamps benefits. And the Democrats claim to be the party of the underprivileged! (All)
• Raise rates for CHIP. Again, unbelievable. With America’s health system in crisis, the Democrats want to make it more expensive for children to obtain health insurance. What do all those tax hikes get us if getting our kids health care is going to be even more expensive? (All)
• Actually increase spending over five years on Mandatory programs. By almost $300 Billion! When Americans are demanding that Government slim down and become more efficient, Democrats propose fattening it up some. (Democratic Main and Option E)
The list could go on and on. As for the alternative, of course the Republican budget isn’t perfect. No budget that deals with over 200 different line items could be perfect. But it clearly sets America’s priorities straight. With one clear voice, the Republicans have declared that the federal deficit will be cut in half, that vital aspects of Medicare and Social Security will be protected, that America’s defense cannot be sacrificed, and that leadership comes in the form of one budget alternative, not six!
Press Release: from Reps. Ford and Spratt
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
From the Offices of Reps. Harold Ford (D-TN) and John Spratt (D-SC)
Republican Budget Neglects Rural Communities
The House Republicans’ budget proposal decimates resources for rural communities, slashing critical Amtrak routes and subjecting millions of customers to higher electricity prices.
By reducing federal subsidies for Amtrak, Republicans propose to deprive Americans with few transportation alternatives of a vital public service. Their budget cuts five routes that are essential to the survival of small communities.
“Amtrak is the backbone of rural economies like those in my district,” said Congressman John Spratt, D-SC. “With their proposal, Republicans are attempting to break the back of rural communities,” Spratt said. Democrats, who want to preserve Amtrak, appreciate the vital link it provides isolated communities, Spratt added.
Rural families in Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia also face higher electricity prices under the Republicans’ proposal to sell most of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s electric power assets. Since its inception in 1933 the TVA has provided low-cost power to residents – primarily Southern farmers – forgotten by big power companies. Presently serving 8.6 million customers, the TVA protects the environment, encourages innovation and energy independence, and contributes to the region’s economy.
“A vote to sell the TVA is a vote against rural Americans,” Congressman Harold Ford, D-TN said of the Republicans’ proposal. Ford noted that Democrats recognize the necessity of maintaining the TVA. “Rural communities can trust Democrats to protect their interests.”
- 30 -
From the Offices of Reps. Harold Ford (D-TN) and John Spratt (D-SC)
Republican Budget Neglects Rural Communities
The House Republicans’ budget proposal decimates resources for rural communities, slashing critical Amtrak routes and subjecting millions of customers to higher electricity prices.
By reducing federal subsidies for Amtrak, Republicans propose to deprive Americans with few transportation alternatives of a vital public service. Their budget cuts five routes that are essential to the survival of small communities.
“Amtrak is the backbone of rural economies like those in my district,” said Congressman John Spratt, D-SC. “With their proposal, Republicans are attempting to break the back of rural communities,” Spratt said. Democrats, who want to preserve Amtrak, appreciate the vital link it provides isolated communities, Spratt added.
Rural families in Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia also face higher electricity prices under the Republicans’ proposal to sell most of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s electric power assets. Since its inception in 1933 the TVA has provided low-cost power to residents – primarily Southern farmers – forgotten by big power companies. Presently serving 8.6 million customers, the TVA protects the environment, encourages innovation and energy independence, and contributes to the region’s economy.
“A vote to sell the TVA is a vote against rural Americans,” Congressman Harold Ford, D-TN said of the Republicans’ proposal. Ford noted that Democrats recognize the necessity of maintaining the TVA. “Rural communities can trust Democrats to protect their interests.”
- 30 -
PRESS RELEASE: CREATING A BETTER FUTURE FOR THE AMERICAN MILITARY AND WINNING THE WAR ON TERROR
PRESS RELEASE: CREATING A BETTER FUTURE FOR THE
AMERICAN MILITARY AND WINNING THE WAR ON TERROR
FROM THE OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN DUNCAN HUNTER (R-CA)
Washington: (11/17/05) Congressman Duncan Hunter
can be seen smiling around the halls of Congress these
days. He has worked very hard to fund a nimble, yet
strong military. As a Vietnam veteran, he understands
the needs of the military. Few of his Democratic
colleagues can claim such experience.
And yet the Democrats attack the House GOP budget.
The Republican plan increases army end strength by
40,000 troops. This allows shorter tours of duty
while fighting terrorists and longer periods staying
at home, with their families. It allows for better
training and a more complete military. The GOP plan
also includes funding for the Future Combat System
(FCS), while the Democrats plan delays implementation.
Additionally, the GOP plan keeps funding constant for
the space tracking and airborne laser programs. These
programs help build a combat force that is better
equipped to face tomorrow's challenges.
The Republican plan is about personal choice and
personal responsibility. Many soldiers are
over-insured by the TRICARE plans. A cafeteria plan
gives them the ability to decide how to spend their
health care money. The Democrats seek to continue
their status quo, paternalistic, big government plan,
foisting large sums of money, inefficiently, on health
care plans which are never used. The GOP plan allows
soldiers to keep extra cash if they choose not to
spend all of their cafeteria allowance on health care
plans.
We are fighting a war against terrorists. We have
successfully made Iraq the central front in the war
against terror. We cannot go soft and allow ourselves
to be fooled into believing that we cannot be attacked
again. We fight so that our children do not have to.
We fight for the safety of our homeland. We fight for
the pride and dignity of being an American. If we
yield to temptation, even in the slightest, we give
the terrorist an opportunity. Congressman Duncan
Hunter has worked too hard for too long to let anybody
tarnish his flag. We cannot let the terrorists,
architects of 9/11, win this eternal struggle.
AMERICAN MILITARY AND WINNING THE WAR ON TERROR
FROM THE OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN DUNCAN HUNTER (R-CA)
Washington: (11/17/05) Congressman Duncan Hunter
can be seen smiling around the halls of Congress these
days. He has worked very hard to fund a nimble, yet
strong military. As a Vietnam veteran, he understands
the needs of the military. Few of his Democratic
colleagues can claim such experience.
And yet the Democrats attack the House GOP budget.
The Republican plan increases army end strength by
40,000 troops. This allows shorter tours of duty
while fighting terrorists and longer periods staying
at home, with their families. It allows for better
training and a more complete military. The GOP plan
also includes funding for the Future Combat System
(FCS), while the Democrats plan delays implementation.
Additionally, the GOP plan keeps funding constant for
the space tracking and airborne laser programs. These
programs help build a combat force that is better
equipped to face tomorrow's challenges.
The Republican plan is about personal choice and
personal responsibility. Many soldiers are
over-insured by the TRICARE plans. A cafeteria plan
gives them the ability to decide how to spend their
health care money. The Democrats seek to continue
their status quo, paternalistic, big government plan,
foisting large sums of money, inefficiently, on health
care plans which are never used. The GOP plan allows
soldiers to keep extra cash if they choose not to
spend all of their cafeteria allowance on health care
plans.
We are fighting a war against terrorists. We have
successfully made Iraq the central front in the war
against terror. We cannot go soft and allow ourselves
to be fooled into believing that we cannot be attacked
again. We fight so that our children do not have to.
We fight for the safety of our homeland. We fight for
the pride and dignity of being an American. If we
yield to temptation, even in the slightest, we give
the terrorist an opportunity. Congressman Duncan
Hunter has worked too hard for too long to let anybody
tarnish his flag. We cannot let the terrorists,
architects of 9/11, win this eternal struggle.
Press Release: American workers lose big in GOP budget
*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE **
American Workers Lose Big in GOP Budget
From the Office of Steny Hoyer (D - MD)
The GOP budget has devastating implications for American industry and is an assault on American workers. It binds the hands of industry by making it less competitive on the global market and jeopardizes our future prosperity and economic security. It will drastically reduce employment and drive down wages, denying opportunities for hard working Americans to secure the future of their children.
Specifically, the GOP budget proposal eliminates funding for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program which provides income-replacement benefits, training, and related services to workers who lose their jobs as a result of import competition or a shift in production to another country. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that for the quarter ending June 30, 2005, 66% of TAA customers were able to find jobs, an increase of three percentage points over the same quarter last year. TAA customers replaced 75% of their previous earnings, compared to 72% in the quarter ending June 30, 2004. 91% of the people helped by the TAA program retained the jobs they found, an increase of two percentage points over the same interval.
According to a study done by the Institute of Industrial Relations at UC Berkeley, as many as 14 million Americans hold jobs at risk of being outsourced. By eliminating the TAA program, house Republicans are removing a vital and effective safety net program designed to support the transition of displaced workers into other career opportunities at a time when American jobs are most vulnerable. The Democratic budget proposal not only preserves funding for the TAA program, but also ensures that federal workers receive the cost-of-living adjustments and retirement benefits they deserve.
American Workers Lose Big in GOP Budget
From the Office of Steny Hoyer (D - MD)
The GOP budget has devastating implications for American industry and is an assault on American workers. It binds the hands of industry by making it less competitive on the global market and jeopardizes our future prosperity and economic security. It will drastically reduce employment and drive down wages, denying opportunities for hard working Americans to secure the future of their children.
Specifically, the GOP budget proposal eliminates funding for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program which provides income-replacement benefits, training, and related services to workers who lose their jobs as a result of import competition or a shift in production to another country. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that for the quarter ending June 30, 2005, 66% of TAA customers were able to find jobs, an increase of three percentage points over the same quarter last year. TAA customers replaced 75% of their previous earnings, compared to 72% in the quarter ending June 30, 2004. 91% of the people helped by the TAA program retained the jobs they found, an increase of two percentage points over the same interval.
According to a study done by the Institute of Industrial Relations at UC Berkeley, as many as 14 million Americans hold jobs at risk of being outsourced. By eliminating the TAA program, house Republicans are removing a vital and effective safety net program designed to support the transition of displaced workers into other career opportunities at a time when American jobs are most vulnerable. The Democratic budget proposal not only preserves funding for the TAA program, but also ensures that federal workers receive the cost-of-living adjustments and retirement benefits they deserve.
Press Release from House Dems Lowey and Slaughter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
From the offices of Nita Lowey (D - NY) and Louise Slaughter (D - NY)
November 17, 2005
HOUSE DEMOCRATS SUBMIT FISCALLY AND SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BUDGETS
The Democratic alternate budgets offer feasible solutions and sustainable plans for all Americans. We have clearly shown that the Democrats have a cohesive plan to offer various fiscally responsible options. The Democrats support the middle class of America, in stark opposition to the Republican's budget, which puts undue burdens on the middle class and rewards the small portion of the population that is already rich. We support our troops, veterans and their families.
Support for Military Personnel
The Democratic budget bolsters health care for military personnel and their families. Whereas, Republicans are hurting America's most patriotic citizens by cutting insurance benefits, reducing health care benefits and quality of life. They do not support military efficiency and they irresponsibly focus resources on short-term distractions to avoid fixing long-term problems. We must support the men and women who risk their lives to make America safe.
Protecting America
The Democratic budget recognizes that drilling in ANWR will degrade one of America's national treasures, and will not provide sufficient amounts of oil. We directly face the problem of dependence on foreign sources of fuel by supporting research into renewable energy sources, and technological innovation. We refuse to deprive future generations access to valuable resources.
AMT: American Middle-class Tax
The Democratic Budget addresses the Alternative Minimum Tax, which is a hidden tax on the hardworking American middle class. The Republican budget, by contrast, imposes this penalty on our hardworking constituents. CBO says this tax will affect one in five tax payers in the next five years with incomes as low as $34,000 for single filers, and $45,000 for couples in 2006 (USA Today). Particularly, this will hurt people who are married and have children.
Please contact House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi/Ed Takashima, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer/Adwoa Osei, Nita Lowey/Deborah Landis or Louise Slaughter/Lisa Walling with any questions.
From the offices of Nita Lowey (D - NY) and Louise Slaughter (D - NY)
November 17, 2005
HOUSE DEMOCRATS SUBMIT FISCALLY AND SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BUDGETS
The Democratic alternate budgets offer feasible solutions and sustainable plans for all Americans. We have clearly shown that the Democrats have a cohesive plan to offer various fiscally responsible options. The Democrats support the middle class of America, in stark opposition to the Republican's budget, which puts undue burdens on the middle class and rewards the small portion of the population that is already rich. We support our troops, veterans and their families.
Support for Military Personnel
The Democratic budget bolsters health care for military personnel and their families. Whereas, Republicans are hurting America's most patriotic citizens by cutting insurance benefits, reducing health care benefits and quality of life. They do not support military efficiency and they irresponsibly focus resources on short-term distractions to avoid fixing long-term problems. We must support the men and women who risk their lives to make America safe.
Protecting America
The Democratic budget recognizes that drilling in ANWR will degrade one of America's national treasures, and will not provide sufficient amounts of oil. We directly face the problem of dependence on foreign sources of fuel by supporting research into renewable energy sources, and technological innovation. We refuse to deprive future generations access to valuable resources.
AMT: American Middle-class Tax
The Democratic Budget addresses the Alternative Minimum Tax, which is a hidden tax on the hardworking American middle class. The Republican budget, by contrast, imposes this penalty on our hardworking constituents. CBO says this tax will affect one in five tax payers in the next five years with incomes as low as $34,000 for single filers, and $45,000 for couples in 2006 (USA Today). Particularly, this will hurt people who are married and have children.
Please contact House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi/Ed Takashima, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer/Adwoa Osei, Nita Lowey/Deborah Landis or Louise Slaughter/Lisa Walling with any questions.
Press Release from House Dems Cardin and McGovern
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From the Offices of Rep. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA)
Under the guise of fiscal responsibility, the GOP has unleashed an unprecedented attack on middle class and working class Americans. The GOP budget proposes to cut the deficit in half in five years not only by giving up our effort for affordable healthcare and senior well-being, but also by raising taxes for middle class Americans, and by planting a deficit time bomb set to explode after the magical five year deadline passes. This imaginary number also ignores billions in outlays on the war in Iraq as well as relief and rebuilding expenses in the gulf.
In refusing to index the tax brackets and exemptions of the AMT for inflation, the GOP proposal raises taxes for millions of middle class Americans over the next few years. Instead of addressing this looming crisis now – and the cost of addressing it will grow exponentially in the future – Republicans in Congress prioritized making permanent the fiscally disastrous tax cuts that only benefit the wealthiest Americans and which created the gaping budget deficit they are now pretending to address.
The only thing special about 2010 is that the enormous costs of the proposed tax cuts won't take effect until then, permitting the Republicans to make the ridiculous short-sighted assertion that their budget actually cuts the deficit.
The Democratic budget proposal, on the other hand, successfully handles the pending AMT disaster, strengthens the Social Security system and ensures its long-term solvency, and pares back the most fiscally irresponsible of President Bush's tax cuts. Our proposal makes the tax system more equitable while also helping middle class families and working Americans. Rather than cutting funding for low-income housing, the Democratic budget restores America's commitment to its citizens' true values.
From the Offices of Rep. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA)
Under the guise of fiscal responsibility, the GOP has unleashed an unprecedented attack on middle class and working class Americans. The GOP budget proposes to cut the deficit in half in five years not only by giving up our effort for affordable healthcare and senior well-being, but also by raising taxes for middle class Americans, and by planting a deficit time bomb set to explode after the magical five year deadline passes. This imaginary number also ignores billions in outlays on the war in Iraq as well as relief and rebuilding expenses in the gulf.
In refusing to index the tax brackets and exemptions of the AMT for inflation, the GOP proposal raises taxes for millions of middle class Americans over the next few years. Instead of addressing this looming crisis now – and the cost of addressing it will grow exponentially in the future – Republicans in Congress prioritized making permanent the fiscally disastrous tax cuts that only benefit the wealthiest Americans and which created the gaping budget deficit they are now pretending to address.
The only thing special about 2010 is that the enormous costs of the proposed tax cuts won't take effect until then, permitting the Republicans to make the ridiculous short-sighted assertion that their budget actually cuts the deficit.
The Democratic budget proposal, on the other hand, successfully handles the pending AMT disaster, strengthens the Social Security system and ensures its long-term solvency, and pares back the most fiscally irresponsible of President Bush's tax cuts. Our proposal makes the tax system more equitable while also helping middle class families and working Americans. Rather than cutting funding for low-income housing, the Democratic budget restores America's commitment to its citizens' true values.
Press Release: Representatives Stark and Frank on released budgets
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From the offices of Reps. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Pete Stark (D-CA)
The GOP Budget released yesterday revealed the party’s disdain for the needs of society’s most valuable members: our youth, the elderly and retirees. Cuts to Medicare and Social Security reflect a haphazard approach to spending that does not take into account the needs of working Americans.
Given the opportunity to meet the needs of aging baby boomers and their families the Republicans instead fumbled, handing the ball to their big business friends. They cut benefits to retirees, survivors, and the children of retirees. Their dirty tricks included changing a formula to give retirees on Social Security lower monthly payments that will force millions to choose between their heating bills and eating three meals a day.
Where the Democrats recognized the need to increase survivor benefits, Republicans deserted widows and substantially reduced spousal benefits. Compassion does not leave 15.8 percent of widows in poverty! Democrats support an equitable and progressive Social Security system that acknowledges the needs of low wage workers. By restructuring the payroll system the Democratic budget accounts for the faster than average growth of today’s economy.
In addition to Social Security cuts, the Republican budget shifts health care costs to working Americans and vastly undermines the quality of medical care available to hospitals throughout the United States. By reducing funding to teaching hospitals and restructuring current Medicare funding, the Republican Budget significantly reduces the number of trained medical professionals and the quality of medical care for all patients, especially the critically ill.
The Democratic budget strengthens Medicare, builds on current successes and guarantees benefits to seniors, people with disabilities, children, and working families. The Republican budget shifts program costs to individuals, a disgrace to the philosophy of Medicare. By restructuring the Medicare cost sharing requirements, the Republican budget results in:
- An increase of an individual’s deductible under Medicare by $650.
- Making enrollees responsible for paying costs of home health care, currently funded by the federal government
- Increasing individual’s co-payments under the Medicaid programs 67 percent for adults and even more for children
Republicans are not concerned with protecting the interests of their constituents. Rather, the Republican budget eliminates the social safety net that has been the proudest feature of our government since the depression.
From the offices of Reps. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Pete Stark (D-CA)
The GOP Budget released yesterday revealed the party’s disdain for the needs of society’s most valuable members: our youth, the elderly and retirees. Cuts to Medicare and Social Security reflect a haphazard approach to spending that does not take into account the needs of working Americans.
Given the opportunity to meet the needs of aging baby boomers and their families the Republicans instead fumbled, handing the ball to their big business friends. They cut benefits to retirees, survivors, and the children of retirees. Their dirty tricks included changing a formula to give retirees on Social Security lower monthly payments that will force millions to choose between their heating bills and eating three meals a day.
Where the Democrats recognized the need to increase survivor benefits, Republicans deserted widows and substantially reduced spousal benefits. Compassion does not leave 15.8 percent of widows in poverty! Democrats support an equitable and progressive Social Security system that acknowledges the needs of low wage workers. By restructuring the payroll system the Democratic budget accounts for the faster than average growth of today’s economy.
In addition to Social Security cuts, the Republican budget shifts health care costs to working Americans and vastly undermines the quality of medical care available to hospitals throughout the United States. By reducing funding to teaching hospitals and restructuring current Medicare funding, the Republican Budget significantly reduces the number of trained medical professionals and the quality of medical care for all patients, especially the critically ill.
The Democratic budget strengthens Medicare, builds on current successes and guarantees benefits to seniors, people with disabilities, children, and working families. The Republican budget shifts program costs to individuals, a disgrace to the philosophy of Medicare. By restructuring the Medicare cost sharing requirements, the Republican budget results in:
- An increase of an individual’s deductible under Medicare by $650.
- Making enrollees responsible for paying costs of home health care, currently funded by the federal government
- Increasing individual’s co-payments under the Medicaid programs 67 percent for adults and even more for children
Republicans are not concerned with protecting the interests of their constituents. Rather, the Republican budget eliminates the social safety net that has been the proudest feature of our government since the depression.
Press Release: Some House Dems criticize Republican cuts to defense
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From the Office of Representative David Obey (D-WI)
The House Republican’s budget proposal strike a
devastating blow to the US military’s ability to
continue to function effectively in a dangerous and
uncertain world. It wastes scarce resources on
ineffective and ill-conceived boondoggles and pet
projects while utterly betraying our responsibility to
the men and women who risk their lives in service to
America.
The decision to maintain the current scheduled
fielding date for the Future Combat System may be
politically easy but reflects an utter denial of the
technological reality. Innovation and experimentation
are the keys to maintaining American military
dominance, which is why the Democratic budget supports
the continued research and development of the Future
Combat System. Representative John Murtha (D-PA)
remarked, “Activating this program before it can
possibly work effectively, however, as the Republican
budget proposes, is not only wasteful but endangers
the very people it is designed to support.”
The Republicans’ egregious cuts to military health
benefits place our armed forces personnel in further
peril by putting them in the position of choosing
between continuing their service and providing for
their families. The Republican budget proposal to
recruit an additional 40,000 personnel for the Army is
absurd given their clear disregard for those who
serve. Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) commented, “It
is unconscionable to request of our citizens that they
volunteer themselves for dangerous duty if we will not
support them both in the field and at home.”
The House Democratic Budget keeps the American
military strong in capability and morale. It is
well-suited to our nation’s protection now and in the
future. As Representatives, entrusted with the
security and well being of all Americans, we each have
a moral imperative to support our Armed Forces. That
the Administration and House Republicans have
forgotten this is deeply troubling.
From the Office of Representative David Obey (D-WI)
The House Republican’s budget proposal strike a
devastating blow to the US military’s ability to
continue to function effectively in a dangerous and
uncertain world. It wastes scarce resources on
ineffective and ill-conceived boondoggles and pet
projects while utterly betraying our responsibility to
the men and women who risk their lives in service to
America.
The decision to maintain the current scheduled
fielding date for the Future Combat System may be
politically easy but reflects an utter denial of the
technological reality. Innovation and experimentation
are the keys to maintaining American military
dominance, which is why the Democratic budget supports
the continued research and development of the Future
Combat System. Representative John Murtha (D-PA)
remarked, “Activating this program before it can
possibly work effectively, however, as the Republican
budget proposes, is not only wasteful but endangers
the very people it is designed to support.”
The Republicans’ egregious cuts to military health
benefits place our armed forces personnel in further
peril by putting them in the position of choosing
between continuing their service and providing for
their families. The Republican budget proposal to
recruit an additional 40,000 personnel for the Army is
absurd given their clear disregard for those who
serve. Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) commented, “It
is unconscionable to request of our citizens that they
volunteer themselves for dangerous duty if we will not
support them both in the field and at home.”
The House Democratic Budget keeps the American
military strong in capability and morale. It is
well-suited to our nation’s protection now and in the
future. As Representatives, entrusted with the
security and well being of all Americans, we each have
a moral imperative to support our Armed Forces. That
the Administration and House Republicans have
forgotten this is deeply troubling.
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