Barbara Mikulski: “I rise today to oppose what the Republicans are calling a tax cut. This so-called tax cut is a gimmick to get attention…”

“I rise today to oppose what the Republicans are calling a tax cut. This so-called tax cut is a gimmick to get attention, to get votes, but not to get America what it needs. The Republicans are trying to pander to every interest group in America and give them a tax break. And who doesn't want a tax break? I oppose these tax cuts for three reasons. First, these tax cuts are premature. They are based on a projected surplus of funds that we do not have. We all know that this surplus exists on paper only. It is no more than a promissory note and we don't know if that note can or will be delivered. Second, these tax cuts are irresponsible. With no surplus, we are spending money before we have it. We are on a collision course between monetary and fiscal responsibility. Shouldn't we combine our monetary and fiscal responsibilities to get the country in the right direction towards growth in the future? Third, these tax cuts are callous. We are giving money away that we don't have--when we've not even met the compelling needs of our country: We've not fixed the draconian Medicare cuts stemming from the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. We've not ensured the long-term solvency of Social Security and Medicare. We've not addressed the spending caps--which are forcing cruel cuts in critical services for veterans health, and children's education, and which are crippling scientific research.”