Hank Johnson: “Thank you, Mr. Ranking Member. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the so-called Ryan budget Path to Prosperity, which…”

“Thank you, Mr. Ranking Member. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the so-called Ryan budget Path to Prosperity, which really should be called the Ryan budget ``Mainline to Misery for the Middle Class.'' Budgets are a reflection of our Nation's values, and it is clear that the House Republicans chose to favor the ultrawealthy over the weak, the sick, the poor, and the elderly. Mr. Chairman, this is just more of the same old, same old: more tax breaks for the wealthy, an end to Medicare as we know it--they don't care anything about Medicare--broken promises to our seniors, and higher taxes on the middle class. For the middle class, this Ryan budget is a road to ruin. For the middle class, this Ryan budget is a shortcut to suffering. Issuing vouchers for health care and gutting programs for low- and middle- income Americans at the expense of budget-busting tax cuts for the wealthy is not the best way forward for our Nation. I look forward to supporting the Democratic budget, which reduces the deficit in a balanced way while strengthening the economy, bolstering the middle class, and investing in our future.”