Budget Reconciliation

BUDGET RECONCILIATION -- (House of Representatives - November 09, 2005)

(Mr. SALAZAR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I stand united with my fellow Blue Dogs in protest of this reckless budget vote that we will be taking this week. I have said time and time again that our budget is a moral document and it is about our priorities and values as a nation.

Let us be clear about this budget reconciliation and what it will do for America.

It will pay for tax cuts for the rich on the backs of our Nation's poorest, including low-income seniors who receive help from Medicaid.

It abandons rural America by proposing $1 billion in cuts to ag commodity programs.

It takes aim at valuable research and conservation programs that will help farmers to stay on the land.

And in a time when everyone is concerned about rising energy prices, this bill cuts funds for renewable energy programs. Yet none of these savings will go towards balancing the budget.

Together we can do better. We need to return to responsible budget principles that include pay-as-you-go spending. We need a balanced budget amendment. And we need a Federal budget that is honest with the American people.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this budget reconciliation.

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