Jay Rockefeller: “I rise to oppose the budget resolution that the Senate is considering today. Quite simply, this resolution does not…”

“I rise to oppose the budget resolution that the Senate is considering today. Quite simply, this resolution does not reflect the priorities of West Virginians. The policies promoted here would not be in the best interests of the overwhelming majority of West Virginians. This budget resolution calls for more of the same failed economic policies that have been implemented over the last 3 years. It provides for additional tax cuts for the wealthy. It short-changes investment in important domestic programs. It understates the cost of supporting our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And it forecasts more outrageous deficits for our children to pay off. West Virginians are rightfully worried about our economy right now. Many of them are unemployed, and many others are nervous that their jobs will be the next ones shipped overseas. They are having trouble making ends meet on wages that have stagnated. They are struggling to have health care for themselves and their families. They have a right to expect that when laying out our economic policy for the coming year, Congress will address these pressing concerns. I am very disappointed that the budget resolution we are considering today offers no leadership on these important issues. Instead, as has been the pattern of the last 3 years, this budget resolution provides for more tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. Let me be clear.…”