Walter Tucker: “I rise today in support of the alternative budget offered by the Congressional Black Caucus. Over the years the CBC…”

“I rise today in support of the alternative budget offered by the Congressional Black Caucus. Over the years the CBC alternative budget has been characterized as a tax-and-spend budget. Mr. Chairman, this time, those who have opposed us in the past, can now step up to the plate and support this budget. Why? Because this budget first, stays within established discretionary caps; second, spends $1.8 billion less than the House Budget Committee; and third, commits $2.6 billion more to deficit reduction than the President's budget. Mr. Chairman, this is the only budget being considered that finally and most importantly, is designed to rescue America. The American people have made it very clear: What they want is an investment in jobs, an investment in infrastructure, and an investment in children. This budget does just that. It includes a $98 million increase in spending to the Community Development Block Grant Program, it establishes community development banks to help spur economic investment and opportunities in areas that so desperately need them. This budget contains a $500 million increase in Community Development Block Programs targeted specifically to meet economic conversion planning needs. Mr. Chairman, this budget speaks of our commitment to the future of this country, our children. It says to our children, we care. We provide for additional funding for training programs and after school recreational programs. When are we going to learn?…”