On the recordMarch 24, 2015
Let me thank my good friend from Maryland for his leadership consistently that really speaks to the hearts and minds of Americans because we know what Americans want: just a simple opportunity to live, thrive, and to create the values that we have built this country on. If you work hard, you are successful. Mr. Chairman, the budgeteers on the majority side have a very poor track record when it comes to economic forecasts and projections. Let me also acknowledge the chairman of this committee for the work that he has done. We just happen to disagree. Ever since the Affordable Care Act was passed, it has been the challenge of Republicans to suggest that it wasn't working. We have close to 11 million people insured. Some populations who were never insured now have high numbers--citizens who were uninsured. And so the idea of the Affordable Care being a failure, you are just dead wrong. I am very glad to support the Democratic alternative because it is the opposite of the Republican budget, which says work harder for less when we know what Americans need and what they want for their families. They want to be able to buy a home; they want to be able to send their kids to college, and they want a secure retirement. Under the GOP budget, it is harder to buy a home, absolutely almost impossible to send your children to college, and certainly harder to enjoy a secure retirement. House Republicans oppose increasing the minimum wage, claiming that it costs jobs. Wrong again.…
