On the recordApril 15, 2011
In closing, budgets are more than collections of numbers; they are a statement of our values. The Congressional Progressive Caucus budget is a reflection of the values and priorities of working families in this country. Our budget charts a path that keeps America exceptional while addressing the most pressing problems facing the Nation today. Our budget eliminates the deficit and stabilizes the debt by 2021. It does this in a manner consistent with the aspirations of the American people. It does this by restoring our economic competitiveness so that we can all experience the fullest definition of the American Dream: that each of our children will do better than we did. We did not set these goals arbitrarily. Our budget was crafted by listening to the American people. In poll after poll, they are telling us that they want us to preserve Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid; to make higher education more affordable; to expand job training programs; to invest in roads, research and, above all, in great schools for our children. We can do all of these things and eliminate our deficit. We have a moral imperative to do so. The people's budget is fair; it is just; it is a step towards moving this debate back to the true center. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the Progressive budget. It is the people's budget. Please vote for our amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Indiana has 2 minutes remaining.
