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Conference Report On S. Con. Res. 95, Concurrent Resolution On The Budget for Fiscal Year 2005

Date: May 21, 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Government Budget and Spending


Conference Report On S. Con. Res. 95, Concurrent Resolution On The Budget for Fiscal Year 2005 -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 21, 2004)

SPEECH OF

HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

OF CONNECTICUT

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2004

Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, budgets should be plans for the future. They should reflect our values and provide a roadmap to the kind of country we want to be.

But this budget provides virtually no plan whatsoever. In an unprecedented sleight-of-hand, this budget only applies any semblance of fiscal responsibility-the so-called "PAYGO" rules-to the other body's budget, not this one-exempting, of course, $55 billion in tax cuts for the wealthy. It covers only a single year of budget policy, demonstrating the Republicans' utter lack of commitment to providing the critical resources for defense, homeland security, education, veterans, and other priorities. And, for all intents and purposes, it increases the debt limit for the third time in 3 years. If budgets are roadmaps, this one puts us on a road to nowhere.

Deficits do matter, Mr. Speaker. At a time when rising health care costs, and declining wages are squeezing our middle class, deficits do not make our country stronger. They lead to rising interest rates, less business investment and declining homeownership, and make it harder for families to achieve financial security. Deficits are a problem for our children and our children's children.

At a time when manufacturing employment, once the foundation of our economy, is at a 53-year low, with many of those jobs having been sent overseas, when hundreds of thousands of Americans are giving up hope looking for work every month, it is time we choose a different course for this country-a responsible course. It is time we act with a shared sense of purpose and responsibility to address the tasks before our country. That is what this budget process should be about, and that is what this budget should do.

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