Congressman Elijah E. Cummings Reacts as Republicans Delay Action on Budget Reconciliation Bill

Congressman Elijah E. Cummings Reacts as Republicans Delay Action on Budget Reconciliation Bill

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md) released the following statement after the House Republican Leadership retreated from a budget reconciliation bill that would have made $54 billion in critical spending cuts to social programs.

"The Republican leadership finally realized that the American public would not stand for the misguided and short-sighted priorities embodied in their ill-conceived reconciliation package.

"The budget reconciliation bill developed by the Republicans in Congress would have increased the deficit, while also cutting food stamps and health care for the poorest children in America .

"Their bill would also have increased the cost of student loans and put other vital social programs at risk. It would have done this damage under the guise of paying for the rebuilding efforts caused by the hurricane devastation in the Gulf region - a rationale that was nothing more than a ruse to pay for $70 billion in additional tax cuts to the wealthiest among us.

"In September, following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, President Bush traveled to New Orleans to give a fervent speech acknowledging that poverty and indifference had left so many of our fellow Americans vulnerable to the hurricanes in the Gulf region.

"Unfortunately, the Republican budget reconciliation bill demonstrates, in the starkest possible terms, that the Republican leadership of this House has chosen to repudiate the President's commitment to address poverty.

"Rather than embrace the President's call for action, the Republican leaders of this House have put forward a bill that would continue policies of neglect and indifference in service to what they see as the greater good: continued tax cuts for the wealthiest in this country.

"Budgets reflect the moral compass of a nation. This budget reconciliation bill is devoid of humanity and compassion. It would take our nation far off course.

"The fact that this bill has been pulled is a victory for the American people. However, as the Republican leadership may likely continue to try to win passage of this misguided bill, I will continue to fight to make certain that the children, the elderly, and the most vulnerable of our nation will not be forgotten."

http://www.house.gov/cummings/press/05nov10a.htm