Sam Gibbons: “after 40 years of Democratic leadership, which brought higher taxes, increased spending, and enormous budget deficits…”

“after 40 years of Democratic leadership, which brought higher taxes, increased spending, and enormous budget deficits, my liberal colleagues are labeling us as a do-nothing Congress. So, Mr. Speaker, as the 105th Congress draws to a close, I am proud to submit a progress report on how this Republican-led Congress has benefitted America. By electing Republicans, Americans have benefitted from their first tax cut in 16 years. And now, for a second consecutive year, we will again provide significant tax relief. By electing Republicans to control Congress, Americans benefitted not only from the first balanced budget in over a generation, but a budget surplus on top of that. And with this surplus Republicans are helping save Social Security. By electing Republicans, Americans have benefitted from a truly needed and meaningful Patient Protection Act, legislation that will ensure Americans have accountable, accessible and affordable health care for themselves and their families. Is it any wonder that Americans continue to elect and reelect Republicans to lead this body into the next century? Republicans remain committed to a future that benefits the American people, a future that is pro-family, pro-business and pro-America; a commitment that this and future generations have a rendezvous with a brighter destiny.”