Sheila Jackson Lee: “I, too, want to offer my appreciation to Ranking Member Scott both for his service on the Education Committee as a…”

“I, too, want to offer my appreciation to Ranking Member Scott both for his service on the Education Committee as a ranking member, but also for his continuing efforts and work on a very, very positive step, great step, toward changing America. There is a premise in the Republican budget, two premises or underlying thoughts that I vigorously disagree with. As I stand in explaining or supporting the Congressional Black Caucus budget, let me also say that I rise in support of the Congressional Progressive Caucus budget--and I will provide a statement into the Record--for its efforts in improving America. But the premise of the budget of our friends on the other side of the aisle is that if you are poor, if you are in need of help, then it is either your fault or you are taking advantage of the government's charity and largess. Walk a mile in the district that I represent--and many districts across America--and you will find parents who get up at 4 and 6 in the morning to jobs that are less than the minimum wage in some instances, or are the minimum wage, working very hard to support their families. Those individuals deserve an equal opportunity. I am grateful that this budget, the Congressional Black Caucus budget, talks about a comprehensive jobs program totaling some $500 billion--a mere $500 billion--over 3 years. We understand that people want to work.…”