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Congressman Pascrell Slams Republican Budget Proposal

Date: April 29, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Senior Citizens Entitlements and the Safety Net Government Budget and Spending


CONGRESSMAN PASCRELL SLAMS REPUBLICAN BUDGET PROPOSAL
April 29, 2005

Proposal Mirrors Misplaced Priorities

Washington-U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 8th) today issued the following statement concerning the conference report on the Budget Resolution for fiscal year 2006:

"Yet again, this Administration chooses financial ruin over fiscal responsibility. They continue to cut taxes for the wealthiest few, while gutting domestic priorities such as community development and housing, education, environmental protection, public health, local first responders and law enforcement."

"This proposal is reckless, resulting in $2 trillion in deficits over the next five years. Although no part of the Bush tax cut expires, the GOP proposes $34.7 billion in mandatory spending reductions, including $10 billion in Medicaid cuts and billions in other cuts that will drain pension programs, student loans, and food stamps."

"Without any negotiation or consultation, the Republican leadership forced a last-minute vote on a budget that solidifies structural deficits while slashing Social Security and Medicare benefits. It spends every penny of the Social Security surplus over the next five years, with no plan to protect the Social Security Trust Fund. It's immoral, it's a sham and the American public should not have to take it."

"While deficit-financed tax cuts are justified on the grounds that they will create additional employment, I have yet to see new jobs. Most continue to be sent overseas for the benefit of big business while fueling the economies of China and India. The numbers just don't add up."

"This proposal will bankrupt our treasury, rob hard-working Americans of important health care and education programs, and do terrible damage to our environment. Our fiscal health and priorities have been stained by red ink."

"My Democratic colleagues and I are dedicated to providing responsible tax relief that primarily focuses on the middle class. As significant as any tax cut though, we must protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security, increase our investment in education and provide for our national defense."

http://www.pascrell.house.gov/issues2.cfm?id=10510

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