Gregory Meeks: “I rise this morning to tell my constituents and the American people that the raid is still in progress. The House…”

“I rise this morning to tell my constituents and the American people that the raid is still in progress. The House Republican leadership continues its attempt to further raid the Nation's coffers and rob our citizens of important services. Last week, Republicans had to pull their budget reconciliation from the House floor, temporarily preventing a disastrous fiscal blow that will dig an even deeper deficit hole. This week they continue efforts to force through Congress over $50 billion in cuts to important programs, including student loans, Medicaid, child support and child support enforcement. Despite shameful attempts to disguise these cuts and services as necessary tough choices, the budget reconciliation funds an additional $70 billion in misguided tax cuts for the wealthy and neglects the billions needed for Hurricane Katrina reconstruction efforts. Democrats are holding Republicans accountable for enormously irresponsible spending that has managed to turn the surplus that the President inherited into an $8 trillion deficit. Fortunately, there are a few honest Republicans who know that the budget plan will make the national debt worse by adding an additional $20 billion to the already record-high deficit. They know they have lost their way with years of increased spending and indefensible tax cuts. I hope that they stand strong and may not do what is responsible or what is popular in their conference, but do what is right for the American people.…”