Political Quotes

“let me just express my concern at scheduling a bill that requires taking $15 billion out of the general fund to be on the suspension calendar. I am concerned that this is going to end up being a disadvantage to railroad workers, because the railroad has said when they need more taxes, they will increase the tax rate. So here again, I am very concerned that we are taking this bill that is so expensive up on suspension; and I would, at the appropriate time, ask for a roll call vote. I rise in opposition to H.R. 10. I do not oppose what this bill is trying to accomplish. Railroad workers should have the opportunity to invest their money in the stock market and earn a higher rate of return. I oppose this bill because it will not achieve its intended goal. This bill would cut taxes and raise benefits for railroad retirement beneficiaries in exchange for promises to pay higher taxes in the future. This is an irresponsible and shortsighted approach to reform. This bill's supporters will dispute this. They will say things like this bill 'modernizes' the system. They will say, 'it's their money, we should let them invest it.' They will say, 'we only want to let the railroads do what everyone else does.' Don't believe it for a minute. First, this bill does not modernize the railroad retirement system. There's nothing 'modern' about increasing benefits today while putting off tax increases until tomorrow. That's the oldest trick in the book.…”