Kathy Castor: “I thank my colleague, Mr. Van Hollen, for yielding time. Mr. Chairman, we are debating the Federal budget at a time when…”

“I thank my colleague, Mr. Van Hollen, for yielding time. Mr. Chairman, we are debating the Federal budget at a time when America is experiencing an economic recovery--unemployment is down; gas prices are lower, and retirement accounts are healthier--yet that is at risk if the Republican budget is adopted. It would weaken America's recovery. How? The Republican budget turns its back on what makes America grow and on what makes America strong, including our students, medical and scientific research, and modern transportation systems and infrastructure. Democrats will offer a more optimistic vision for America that builds on our economic recovery. Democrats want everyone to succeed while Republicans shower tax breaks on the wealthy at the expense of hard- working families. The people I know and meet work hard every day. They value good jobs, good schools, safe communities, and the promise of, when they retire, that they can live their retirement years in dignity. The Republican budget is not one for the hard-working people of America. The Republican budget is crafted by the special interests for the special interests. Republicans stack the deck against working families and small businesses. They refuse to find one tax loophole to close or change. If you are incredibly rich, then you are incredibly lucky because this Republican budget is for you; you pay less. If you are like the vast majority of Americans, hold on because you are going to pay more.…”