Daniel Hamburg: “I rise today in strong opposition to the Stenholm and Barton constitutional amendments. These constitutional amendments…”

“I rise today in strong opposition to the Stenholm and Barton constitutional amendments. These constitutional amendments will harm our economic recovery, hurt older Americans who depend on Social Security and Medicare benefits, and undermine comprehensive health care reform. The tax increases and spending cuts forced by the Stenholm amendment would result in the loss of almost 6 million jobs, force taxes up to their highest level in post war history, and increase Social Security taxes by $18 billion while reducing Social Security benefits by $19 billion. Estimates by the Treasury Department show that the average Social Security recipient would see benefits cut over $600 a year under the Stenholm amendment. Medicare would have to be cut $480 for each person enrolled; and the Government would have $35 billion less each year to fight crime, to make job-creating improvements in infrastructure; to protect the environment; and to fund education and other essential Government services. Mr. Chairman, there should also be no mistake that the Stenholm and Barton amendments will undermine comprehensive health care reform.”