Kathy Castor: “I thank the gentleman. Democrats in the Budget Committee proposed to strengthen Medicare and replace the Republican plan…”

“I thank the gentleman. Democrats in the Budget Committee proposed to strengthen Medicare and replace the Republican plan to turn Medicare into a voucher program. All it does is simply shift the cost to our families and older neighbors. Mr. Chairman, this Republican budget is not consistent with American values. It is not fiscally responsible. It is a charade. It is a capitulation to the Tea Party. It does not serve us well in economic recovery and the ways we want to grow America. It's a plan for economic weakness. It's a receding vision of American greatness in education, scientific research and infrastructure, and dignity for our parents and grandparents in their retirement years. I urge you to vote ``no'' on the Republican budget and support the balanced Democratic alternative. The CHAIR. The gentleman from South Carolina has 2 minutes remaining. The gentleman from Maryland has 1 minute remaining and the right to close.”