Political Quotes

“the beginning of this Congress has been dominated by discussions of President Bush's massive tax cut proposal-- a proposal which, after accounting for the true costs to government, is likely to cost close to $2.6 trillion rather than $1.6 trillion over the next 10 years. It is also the most important issue that we'll face over the next six months. Not only will it dominate the news; whether and how much to reduce government revenue will also frame every policy debate in Congress. The decision will determine our ability to honor our health care commitments, protect our environment, educate our children, defend our country, or keep our economy strong. For many in Washington, cutting taxes has become the popular mantra. Gone is concern for the 1997 Balanced Budget Agreement, which instituted spending caps to help reduce our national deficit. Now, however, Congressional leaders are winking and nodding at those unrealistic restrictions and empty past promises, hoping the American press and public won't notice. Since coming to Congress in 1996, I have based my fiscal policies and budget decisions on five principles--principles that continue to guide my responses to the current tax cut proposals: 1. Tax reductions need to be fair. Every Oregonian should be positively affected by these tax reductions, not just a selected few. The Bush proposal ignores the largest burden for most Americans: payroll taxes.”