Mark Takano: “This resolution is not about socialism. It is about political cynicism. No one in this Chamber would defend the…”

“This resolution is not about socialism. It is about political cynicism. No one in this Chamber would defend the atrocities committed by murderous Communist ideologues such as Mao Zedong or Fidel Castro, but that is not what this resolution is about. This resolution is about conflating some of our most cherished social safety net programs with so-called socialism. With this resolution, Republicans demonize Social Security, on which more than 46 million retirees rely today. Republicans demonize Medicare, which has saved the lives of countless Americans. Republicans demonize many other Federal programs, including benefits offered to our Nation's veterans. Harry Truman was right when he said that: ``Socialism is a scare word that [Republicans] have hurled at every advance the people have made in the last 20 years.'' Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution. {time} 1015 Mr. McHENRY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Rose), a great leader for agriculture issues and a member of the Financial Services Committee.”