Kendrick Meek: “it is what we are all doing, making sure that not only the Members know exactly what they are doing when we come in and…”

“it is what we are all doing, making sure that not only the Members know exactly what they are doing when we come in and push the red and green button, and endorsing or not endorsing an idea or a plan. I think it is important for us to not only highlight the $14 billion in cuts which mean higher fees for students because the States have to balance. When we make those cuts, they have to make cuts. This is not the end of the cuts to the average student. When you look at higher education, college education, preparing the next generation, that is not just on that 20-something or 18-year-old. That is on the parents of that 18- or 19- or 20-year-old. That is another burden on their backs. I just wanted to mention quickly, I was reading this letter as both of you were sharing good information with the Members and the American people. Mr. Speaker, I am holding a letter dated November 8. It is from the president of AARP. AARP is the largest retirement organization here in the United States and also on the face of the Earth. This is from the CEO. What he is saying here, basically, is that they oppose the Medicaid cuts that are in the House bill. They are for reform, but they oppose the cuts. I just want to make sure that the Members, and one Member came from the opposite side, the Republican side, and said I wish my friends on the Democratic side would join me in voting for this budget that we have put forth.…”