Daniel Akaka: “it pains me to have to choose between the urgent needs of important groups in my constituency, which is why my decision…”

“it pains me to have to choose between the urgent needs of important groups in my constituency, which is why my decision to oppose cloture on the so-called trifecta bill, combining an estate tax compromise, minimum wage increase, and tax extenders, is a difficult one for me. However, it is one that I find to be necessary. There are some good measures in this bill, particularly in the tax extenders package. I applaud my colleague in the House, Representative Neil Abercrombie, for his hard work to reinstate a tax deduction for spousal travel that is included in this package. It would have a positive effect on tourism-based economies, such as Hawaii's economy. I also appreciate the extension of the research an development credit and higher education above-the-line deduction, among other provisions. However, on balance, as with so many other large legislative vehicles that we consider on this floor, it is not enough to convince me to support the overall package. I am disheartened that the majority in Congress uses the plight of our low-income and disadvantaged to better the cause for the wealthiest among us. For years, I, along with my Democratic colleagues, have offered amendments and introduced freestanding bills to increase the national minimum wage rate for our working men and women.…”