Byron Dorgan: “Mr. President, it has been suggested that my amendment amounts to a tax increase. That is just nonsense. The question…”

“Mr. President, it has been suggested that my amendment amounts to a tax increase. That is just nonsense. The question before us is this: next year, shall we give a $26 billion tax cut to those who receive $1 million or more in income and at the same time restore the funding for law enforcement officials around the country--funding we know works to fight crime? Or shall we instead cut funding for law enforcement officials so we can give a $27 billion tax cut to those whose income is over $1 million a year? This is not about tax increases. I am sorry. My friend from Oklahoma, I am sure, is familiar with Will Rogers, because Will Rogers is from Oklahoma. What a wonderful man. Will Rogers once said: When there's no place left to spit, you either swallow your tobacco juice or you change with the times. Well, there is no place left to spit with respect to these choices. Do you want to cut local law enforcement funding, the Byrne Grant that helps those folks out there today who are keeping this country safe, who are chasing those people who are producing methamphetamine and addicting our children? Do you want to invest in law enforcement? Do you want to chase the criminals? Do you want to apprehend them and get them? Or do you want to decide we cannot afford to do that?”