Mark Pocan: “I would like to thank the gentleman from Arizona, also, for his leadership within the caucus. I am proud to rise in…”

“I would like to thank the gentleman from Arizona, also, for his leadership within the caucus. I am proud to rise in support of the Congressional Progressive Caucus' budget alternative. This is a practical, progressive vision for our country by providing solutions to counter the Republican cuts to vital programs and tax breaks for the wealthy. Let me contrast the House GOP budget with the Progressive Caucus budget. First, in healthcare, the Republican budget embraces TrumpCare by incorporating the House-passed American Health Care Act, which cuts at least 20 million people from their care. This includes up to $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, threatening care for seniors in nursing homes, children, and struggling families. It makes $500 billion in cuts to Medicare, ending the Medicare guarantee and shifting cost risk on to seniors. The Congressional Progressive Caucus budget defends and strengthens the Affordable Care Act. It lowers prescription drug costs and expands access to mental healthcare and addiction treatment. We invest in workers. The GOP plan slashes investments in workers and programs to help more Americans get back to work, programs like apprenticeships and job training. And yet the people's budget would create 2.4 million jobs over its first 3 years and raise wages for American workers. The Republican budget, their $5.4 trillion in spending cuts means less funding for roads and bridges and schools.…”