Thomas Daschle: “as we debate the fiscal year 2005 budget resolution before us, each of us is obligated to measure the budget against our…”

“as we debate the fiscal year 2005 budget resolution before us, each of us is obligated to measure the budget against our State and national priorities. Monday I talked about the many ways this budget shortchanges the Nation's priorities. Today I want to focus on the ways the budget shortchanges South Dakota's priorities. South Dakotans want to ensure that our fiscal health and Social Security remain sound and stable. They want men and women who have worked hard all their lives to retire with dignity. Since January 2001, they have watched with alarm as the Bush administration and Congress have spent both the budget surpluses it took us so long to accrue and the Social Security trust funds that, only a few years ago, both political parties declared untouchable. This budget exacerbates that dismal situation, and I will be supporting an amendment to protect Social Security for generations to come. South Dakotans want America's veterans to be treated with dignity, too. They want us to honor our commitments to them and 'care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and orphan.' Here again, this budget fails. Nearly 60,000 veterans are on waiting lists for care at VA hospitals. When our troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan return home, the lines could get even longer. But despite the extraordinary sacrifices our soldiers have made for us, the Republican budget offers veterans only longer waits and higher fees.”