Frank Pallone: “Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, thanks to what I consider extremist policies of President Bush and the Republican leadership…”

“Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, thanks to what I consider extremist policies of President Bush and the Republican leadership here in Congress, the priorities of the American people, priorities of good jobs, better access to healthcare and the best education for our children, are not being addressed, either at the White House or here by the House Republican majority, and certainly the President's speech last night did nothing to convince me that any of these priorities will be addressed in the forthcoming year. The problem, as I see it, Mr. Speaker, is that President Bush and Congressional Republicans continue to cater to America's elite, to the wealthy. There is no doubt our Nation's millionaires have fared well over the past 3 years under President Bush and the elite have seen their taxes dramatically cut. But the hard- pressed middle-class face a weak job market that, thanks to President Bush's economic priorities, show no signs of improving in the immediate future.”