Deborah Koff Ross: “this evening we are here to consider a bill known as the Deficit Reduction Act. And only here in a Republican-led…”

“this evening we are here to consider a bill known as the Deficit Reduction Act. And only here in a Republican-led Congress could something be called a deficit reduction act that adds $20 billion in new debt to this Nation's budget. Not only does it add $20 billion in new debt, but it also has nothing to do with paying for disaster relief. It is about cutting programs that matter to our children, our working families and our seniors to the tune of $50 billion. It is about approving $70 billion in new tax cuts. I was not real good in math back in high school, but I think anybody can figure that one out. $50 billion in cuts, $70 billion in new tax cuts equals $20 billion in new debt. And what is being cut? Student aid, $14.3 billion. As the father of a 17-year-old that is approaching college, like so many parents across this country, I am concerned about being able to pay for my child's college education. Parents all over this country tonight are concerned that the Republican leadership are proposing $14 billion in cuts for their children's college education. Medicaid, the health insurance program for the poor, the disabled, the elderly being cut by $11.4 billion. Mr. Speaker, let me tell you about my America. In Arkansas, half the children are on Medicaid. In Arkansas, 8 out of every 10 seniors in nursing homes are on Medicaid. In Arkansas, one out of every five people are on Medicaid, and this Republican-led Congress, tonight, plans to cut Medicaid $11.4 billion.…”