On the recordJuly 19, 2011
I think we would all agree if we saw a wasteful spending program, we should cut it for the purpose of reducing the deficit. And the question is: If there is a wasteful or unnecessary special interest tax loophole, why shouldn't we cut it for the purpose of reducing the deficit? Why should we write into the Constitution of the United States a provision that says you need two-thirds to cut a wasteful tax loophole rather than say let's cut it to reduce the deficit for the benefit of our children? I would also observe, Mr. Speaker, that the Republican plan, with respect to Medicare, would force seniors out of the current Medicare system into the private insurance market where the private insurance industry would ration their care. They would get a lot less support from the Medicare program and yet face much higher costs. That is a deal that Members of Congress don't give to themselves, and I don't think we should ask seniors to take a deal that Members of Congress themselves do not take. With that, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi). (Mr. GARAMENDI asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)
