Jim Clyburn: “I thank Mr. Spratt for the tremendous work he has done on this budget. Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his second inaugural…”

“I thank Mr. Spratt for the tremendous work he has done on this budget. Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his second inaugural address said: ``The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.'' This is a significant test of our Nation's values, and it is a test that the Republican budget fails. Let us just skip the rhetoric and read the bill. The Republican budget increases the budget deficit, and it explodes our debt. It cuts port security and funds for first responders. It cuts education, cuts health care, and cuts veterans programs. In fact, this budget puts a squeeze on working Americans, and all in exchange for more tax cuts for the wealthiest few. Democrats offer a clear alternative and new directions. Our budget that Mr. Spratt is putting forward will balance the national budget by the year 2012. It rejects the harmful cuts that Republicans have put forward, and it creates a $150 billion reserve for middle-class tax cuts. Democrats believe that a stronger America begins at home. It starts with budget priorities that secure families and our borders, strengthens our Nation, and gives hope to those who inherit the products of our labors.”