Political Quotes

“I am proud to join Senator Rockefeller in proposing a prudent, fiscally responsible tax cut alternative. Like many, we are skeptical with the underlying assumption that there will be nearly a trillion dollar surplus. Indeed, the numbers show that much of the surplus is generated under the assumption that Congress will significantly slash investments in education, veterans, and defense below the level needed to keep pace with inflation. Such cuts in key investments are not what the American people want. Moreover, the current majority has already exceeded last year's spending limit by $35 billion in the first 10 months of this fiscal year. The real surplus from our current economic growth is closer to $112 billion when one eliminates the unrealistic, rosy scenarios painted by the Republican's $800 billion tax bill. Mr. President, our great economic growth has presented us with an opportunity to do many things. Sensible, modest, and targeted tax cuts for working families is part of that mix along with domestic investments and Medicare reform. In that spirit of balancing priorities, I supported the proposal of Sen. Moynihan to provide $290 billion in targeted tax relief, while extending the life of Medicare and preserving funding for our most pressing domestic needs. That proposal was realistic and based on sound footings.”