Barbara Boxer: “Exactly right. We are simply looking at the wealthy people, who we believe are not being treated fairly because perhaps…”

“Exactly right. We are simply looking at the wealthy people, who we believe are not being treated fairly because perhaps their wealth is tied up in a family farm, in a small business, in a private home, and we say, fair enough, we do not want to see your family be forced to sell these assets. We do not want that to happen. In our alternative, we take care of this. But we do it in a way that is fiscally responsible, that leaves enough to take care of the pressing needs of our people, which everybody seems to think we have-- prescription drugs, afterschool care, making sure that our kids get a decent quality education. Frankly, if we can just be moderate in our approach, we can do all of those things and come out on the side of ordinary Americans and be proud of ourselves. I only hope that as this debate moves forward, the Democrats have a right to offer our alternative, and that some of our friends on the other side of the aisle will recognize that if they join with us, we will have a bill that is fair, that is good, that can take care of our other needs, and that the President will sign into law.”