Mike Thompson: “Mr. Speaker, this bill shamelessly hurts our constituents, cuts healthcare for 17 million Americans, and closes one in…”

“Mr. Speaker, this bill shamelessly hurts our constituents, cuts healthcare for 17 million Americans, and closes one in four nursing homes and many rural hospitals. It rips nutrition assistance away from 11 million Americans, and it cedes leadership in the green energy economy to China--to China. It raises energy bills for hardworking Americans. It cuts Pell grants for millions of students. It adds $5 trillion to our national debt to give a tax break to billionaire donors who don't need the help in this environment. Mr. Speaker, $5 trillion will be added to our national debt. It pushes the American Dream out of reach for millions of working-class Americans. Every Member who votes ``yes'' will forever carry the shame of betraying hardworking Americans and put our kids and our grandkids in great, great debt. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill. It is bad for our constituents. It is bad for America. It is bad for our future.”