Conference Report on S. Con. Res. 70, Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2009

CONFERENCE REPORT ON S. CON. RES. 70, CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009 -- (House of Representatives - June 05, 2008)

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support this budget. It represents a downpayment on our commitment to restoring middle class prosperity, a clear, practical approach to strengthen our economy, help our workforce thrive, and allow families to reach for the American Dream.

Today the Bush economy continues to weigh heavily on America's families and businesses. Incomes are down; everything else is up. Gas prices, food prices, the cost of health care and higher education.

This back-to-basics budget maintains fiscal discipline, reaching balance in 2012, remains in balance in 2013. If we pass this budget, it will mark the first time since 2000 that the Congress has been able to agree on a budget blueprint in an election year.

What does the budget mean? Middle class tax relief, including an extension to the refundable child tax credit and the Senate reserve fund to lower the income threshold and extend the benefit to more families. Last month we recognized the importance of expanding the child tax credit, lowering the income eligibility threshold to $8,500, providing relief to more than 12 million children.

It means crucial support for energy initiatives. It means enhancing our competitive edge, increasing funding for math and science education and research. And at the same time, we reject the administration's cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, first responder grants, emergency home heating assistance, and Community Development Block Grants. We bolster our economy's long-term health and help workers by making an investment in our national infrastructure and creating quality jobs, rebuilding crumbling bridges, fixing our roads, and reducing congestion, paving the way for new growth and new opportunity.

I urge my colleagues to stand behind this responsible budget. It is the foundation of a safe country, a strong economy, and future growth.

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