Political Quotes

“I thank Senator Coons. The Senate budget resolution that we have worked so hard on would, first, replace the harmful budget sequester, the effects of which are only beginning to be felt in our communities--with balanced deficit reduction. Second, it would invest in our crumbling roads, bridges, and water infrastructure. Our engineers give our infrastructure a D-plus. Clearly, we need to make that investment, and it would support continued job creation and economic growth. Despite this sensible, balanced approach, not a single Republican supported this budget in committee. Republicans prefer to raid the programs that the middle class depends on, while protecting the rich and the well-connected. A CBS News poll conducted last September shows that 78 percent of Americans favor continuing the current guarantee of Medicare coverage for seniors--78 percent. But the Republican budget would gut Medicare, turning it into a voucher program for those 55 and under--basically putting Medicare into a death spiral. And it would end the Medicare guarantee that has been the pillar of American retirement for half a century. More than 3 million seniors right now save an average of $700 a year on prescriptions because we closed the dread doughnut hole. Well, the Republican budget throws them right back in the doughnut hole, forcing today's seniors to pay an additional $700 a year, on average, out of pocket.…”