Concurrent Resolutioin On The Budget For Fiscal Year 2008

Floor Speech

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 17, 2007)

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 99, the 2008 House Budget Resolution, and I congratulate Chairman Spratt for advancing the priorities of American families.

* This budget moves our country in a new direction. First, it is fiscally responsible. In contrast to the 6 years of high budget deficits under the former majority, this proposal provides for a surplus in 2012 by strictly adhering to the pay-as-you-go principle adopted in the first days of the 110th Congress. It also protects the integrity of taxpayer dollars by instituting initiatives to crack down on wasteful or fraudulent spending. It is critical that we do not burden our children and grandchildren with crippling debt which threatens the competitiveness of this Nation.

* H. Con. Res. 99 provides for the top priority of the Federal Government--which is to keep our Nation safe and to keep our promises to the brave men and women that serve in the Armed Forces. This bill increases funding for veterans' health care and services by 14 percent, provides more homeland security funding than the Bush administration requested, and funds the 9/11 Commission recommendations.

* The Democratic budget resolution also makes critical investments in our future by doubling funding for the National Science Foundation and making significant increases in math and science education. This budget recognizes that one of the most efficient and effective investments we can make is in our children's education. It increases funding for No Child Left Behind, special education, Head Start, and student aid programs--all of which have been neglected or reduced over the past 6 years. Studies have shown that by recognizing the needs of children today, we both save taxpayer dollars in the long run, and ensure the availability of highly skilled workers in the future.

* Last November Americans made clear that access to health care is a top priority for families and should be for the Congress. This budget rejects the draconian cuts to Medicare and Medicaid proposed by the Bush administration and provides for an expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program to insure millions more children.

* This budget recognizes that those who need tax relief in this country are not corporations and the very wealthiest. This proposal includes relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax for millions of middle-income taxpayers and extends other middle-income tax cuts like the child tax credit, marriage penalty relief and State and local deductions.

* The budget resolution is a statement of priorities. Chairman Spratt has proposed a common-sense, fiscally responsible budget that puts families first and grows our economy. I am proud to support H. Con. Res. 99 and urge all my colleagues to join me.

* I also congratulate the Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus for the budget ideas they put forward. I have supported both of these amendments today largely because of the increased attention to diplomacy, peace, and investment in the global community. These issues must continue to be a part of the appropriations debate.

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