For the past 10 years or so, we have seen an increased willingness to shift the burden of government on to the middle class and the working poor. This give me great concern. And, in my estimation, it is not right, it is not fair, and it is…

Now, tell me. I want each one of you to tell me, and tell Members of the Committee, what do you say to American families struggling to make ends meet who hear that their taxes are going up, to go up so multinational corporation can get a…

They paint teachers, firefighters, librarians and nurses as villains in their quest to widen the gap between the rich and the poor.

Thank you, Chairman Boustany, for holding this hearing.

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week 2011. Today, Republicans have set their sights on the teachers who educate our children, police officers who keep our communities safe, and first responders in moments of crisis.

The Republicans have made many arguments to support today's attack. Republicans blame pension plans for State budget shortfalls. This is not true.

Our neighbors are not the villains. They are not the cause of the current economic situation.

This hearing is politically motivated and driven by AARP's support for the Affordable Care Act.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to raise a question of committee procedure.

It is my understanding that the report is 26 pages long with 243 footnotes and was only released on Wednesday.

I find this unreal. It is unbelievable.

This is nothing other than a political witch hunt. The Ways and Means Committee is better than this.