Cord Byrd: “before we adjourn, the Congress will be asked to vote on an across-the-board cut for every agency and program in the…”

“before we adjourn, the Congress will be asked to vote on an across-the-board cut for every agency and program in the Federal Government. The Congressional majorities have put this Nation on an irresponsible fiscal path, one that promises years of record-breaking red ink, inflationary pressures, and multiplying Federal debts. Instead of making tough choices on spending priorities, or perhaps limiting the massive tax breaks going to Nation's richest citizens, or finding ways to lessen the burden of the war in Iraq on the American citizens, the Republican Congressional leadership is expected to take the expedient route of an across-the-board funding cut. This may not seem like a big deal. What's 1 or 2 percent? But to the families across this country, that 1 or 2 percent can mean a world of difference, especially when it is coupled with the freeze in services that has already been applied to Federal initiatives. Take, for an example, community health centers which provide basic health care for some of our most isolated citizens. This arbitrary Republican plan would mean that 55 clinics would be shuttered, and 73,000 Americans would see their health care held hostage by budget games. A 2 percent cut in the Food and Drug Administration budget would force unacceptable delays in the amount of time that it takes to approve new lifesaving drug and medical devices.…”