William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry: “Mr. Speaker, seniors in my district are very concerned about the costs of prescription drugs, and they are glad that we…”

“Mr. Speaker, seniors in my district are very concerned about the costs of prescription drugs, and they are glad that we will be addressing that issue this year. But seniors in my district are also very concerned about being able to pass along the fruits of their labors to their children, because many of the seniors in my district are farmers and ranchers and small business people, and they are weighed down by the effects of the death tax and their inability to pass along what they have worked for all their lives to their children and grandchildren. Many of them are still involved in their farms and ranches and small businesses. So as taxes go higher and higher, their costs of production go higher, and it is harder for them to make a living. So tax relief is an important part of this bill for seniors and for their children and for their grandchildren. The budget resolution that the House passed is a good balance that includes a prescription drug benefit and tax relief, and it also includes strengthening our country's defense.”