Eva M. Clayton: “I rise not as a member of the Blue Dogs, but I rise as a Member who thinks that the proposal that is authorized by the…”

“I rise not as a member of the Blue Dogs, but I rise as a Member who thinks that the proposal that is authorized by the coalition indeed is a strong proposal, and in fact is the strongest one we have. I also rise as one who thinks all three alternatives really are better than the Republican party's, because they, indeed, balance the priorities of this Nation. So I am pleased to say I am an advocate and supporter of a balanced budget, but I am even more pleased to say I am supporting a balanced budget that makes tough choices and shared sacrifices across the board, and it does it not at the expense of the poor or the expense of the working American. Again, all three substitute budgets make clear the programs and policies do support the average American citizen. The coalition budget protects and preserves these fundamental values that make America strong. At the same time, it does not increase the tax burden, as, indeed, the Republican party does, and it does it at the expense of the poor, and the working Americans, when they say cuts, which, indeed, has been the motto for the Republican Party. I think the coalition budget also has taken a strong position in saying all of us must make sacrifices, those who are senior citizens as well as the rest of America, but it does it in the most appropriate way.”