Donna Edwards: “In 2006, Warren Buffett wrote, ``There's class warfare, but it's my class, the rich, that's making war, and we're…”

“In 2006, Warren Buffett wrote, ``There's class warfare, but it's my class, the rich, that's making war, and we're winning.'' Today, in this bill, Mr. Buffett's sentiment rings as startlingly true today as it did 4 years ago. I rise in strong opposition to this bill that will benefit only the wealthiest Americans at the expense of putting billions of dollars in debt on the backs of our children and grandchildren. Over the last 35 years, our tax policies have concentrated a third of this Nation's wealth in 1 percent of our population, leaving 80 percent of us with 16 percent of our Nation's wealth, the rest. The proposal on the floor today only exacerbates that trend. Mr. Chairman, we have staked our reputation and the legacy of this 111th Congress on fighting for working families. I just don't understand how we can saddle those same families with unsustainable tax cuts for the wealthy, an estate tax that benefits 6,600 families, and a payroll tax that without question raids Social Security. If this is war, then let's put away this white flag. I refuse to surrender to those who want to benefit the two-percenters at the expense of the rest of us. To do that would surrender the hopes, the dreams, the retirements, and the paychecks of families all across this country. It is time to put away the white flag and fight for working families.”