Xavier Becerra: “Mr. Speaker, it is hard to believe that today as the Senate moves to vote to help workers left unemployed by September…”

“Mr. Speaker, it is hard to believe that today as the Senate moves to vote to help workers left unemployed by September 11, this House chooses to vote to reaffirm last year's massive and imprudent tax cut bill. Knowing what we know today, how can we vote for tax cuts that are tilted towards big business and the well-to-do? Last year we were told in 2001 that we would have a surplus of $300 billion into the year 2002. Now what do we know? That there is a deficit of $100 billion in the President's budget. Last year we were told that Social Security would be protected. We all voted for the so-called lock box. What do we know today? The President's budget raids Social Security over 10 years of $1.5 trillion. Last year we were promised that we would pay down the national debt of $3.5 trillion. What do we know today? The Bush budget increases the debt. Last year we were told prescription drug benefits would be available for all seniors. What do we know today? Only some seniors will get it. Last year we were promised we would support public education. Today what do we know? The Bush budget eliminates all funding for class-size reduction. It eliminates all funding for school construction. It cuts drug prevention programs. It cuts money for drop-out prevention programs. Education came first? Today we also know that September 11 left us with the need to fund homeland security and to address our terrorism needs.”