Patrick Kennedy: “we hear all the time from Republicans about how they want less Government. Now we know what are talking about. They are…”

“we hear all the time from Republicans about how they want less Government. Now we know what are talking about. They are talking about less Government assistance to our senior citizens during the winter. That is right. The Republicans have cut heating assistance for low-income families in my State of Rhode Island. When the average heating bill in Providence, Rhode Island, is $1,200 a winter, a grant of $414 can make a world of difference. Sixty percent of the households in my State who receive energy assistance are either elderly or on fixed incomes, or working poor. Most have household incomes between $6,000 and $8,000. Mr. Speaker, talking about tax cuts, a capital gains tax cut is not going to be any comfort to my senior citizens in my State next winter. Mr. Speaker, we have heard time and time again that the opposition is determined to provide less Government and lower taxes, but for who? Well, now we have the answer. The cuts before us clearly show that the intention is to provide less help to those who most need it, and lower taxes for those who have the most. For those who fear the onset of winter, and the long and cold nights that it brings, these cuts will force a choice between heating and eating. My State of Rhode Island was supposed to receive $8.8 million in energy assistance next winter. No more.…”