Political Quotes

“last year the administration and Republican leadership brought forth a tax cut and budget proposal. I opposed that proposal for its unrealistic assumptions and potential for leading us down a fiscally dangerous path. A year later we are witnessing the deficits and raiding of Social Security and Medicare that were all but inevitable. Now, with the reality of deficits staring us in the face, the Republican leadership brings to the floor another in a series of bills that repeal the sunset provision of a part of their tax cut package. Reducing the marriage penalty is the right thing to do, but it must be part of a responsible budget framework. H.R. 4019 will cost nearly half a trillion dollars over the next two decades. The Republican leadership offers no plan to take these funds from anywhere but the Social Security and Medicare trust funds. I support the Democratic substitute amendment, which would permanently extend marriage penalty relief if the Office of Management and Budget certifies that the repeal will not result in funds being taken from Social Security. Congress must adhere to budget policies that will return fiscal responsibility to the Federal Government. The American people expect us to produce a responsible budget and honor our commitments--a task that only becomes more unlikely with the bill before us today.”