Zoe Lofgren: “I have received a lot of advice from my constituents about H.R. 3, President Bush's tax cut proposal. Mostly my…”

“I have received a lot of advice from my constituents about H.R. 3, President Bush's tax cut proposal. Mostly my constituents have told me not to vote for this plan, although some have urged support. I have listened carefully and read every letter and email. I've thought about what people back home have told me. I take very seriously my responsibility to act prudently in this matter. I have heard President Bush and other proponents of H.R. 3 say that the surplus 'belongs to the people' and that 'the people have overpaid' and 'the people deserve a refund.' Well what about the accumulated national debt? That doesn't belong to some other group of people. What that phrase overlooks is that the accumulated national debt, over 4 trillion dollars, is also 'the people's national debt.' That debt needs to be paid, and if it is paid, it will be paid off with 'the people's money.' In listening to my constituents, as well as economic experts, I have focused on several elements.”