Date: 2007-03-29
Speaker: CORRINE BROWN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Florida

Mr. Chairman. I rise in support of the Democratic budget offered today. This budget is a stark contrast to the Presidents budget which proves to be entirely insufficient in meeting the needs of our Nation. and those of my constituents in the third district of Florida. A budget is about priorities. and the Presidents priorities are to ask our seniors. our students. our children. the middle class. and the working poor. to make fiscal sacrifices. while the rich count their money. As an AfricanAmerican woman who represents one of the poorest districts in the state of Florida. I am proud to say that Democrats are fighting for a budget that reflects the values of Americas working families. For the first time in 6 years. the congressional budget resolution will deliver fiscal responsibility. economic prosperity. a strong national defense. affordable health care and energy prices. and strong public schools. Let me give you some examples of the differences between the Presidents budget and the Democratic budget: The Presidents budget has deficits as far as the eye can see with an increase of $507 billion. over the next 5 years. The House Democratic budget lowers the deficit in 2008 and balances the budget in 5 years. The Presidents budget cuts vital health care programs even when there are over 3 million Floridians without health insurance. The House Democratic budgef puts children and families first by providing $50 billion to expand childrens health insurance and creates a reserve fund that would allow Medicare improvementssuch as increasing the reimbursement rate for physicians and improving the Medicare prescription drug program. The Presidents budget fails to protect Americans here at home by slashing funding for the COPS program by 94 percent. COPS is regarded as an overwhelming success and has funded more than 118.400 police officers and sheriffs deputies. The House Democratic budget provides more homeland security dollars to fund the 9/11 Commissions recommendations. reject the Presidents cuts to first responders. and adequately address port security needs. The Presidents budget forgets about the over 1.7 million veterans in Florida by cutting funds for their healthcare in 2009 and 2010 and imposing new health care fees on 1.3 million veterans. The House Democratic budget meets previously unmet needs for veterans by increasing funding for veterans health care by $5.4 billion above current services. The Presidents budget gives no relief to Americans struggling with high energy costs. Florida lowincome energy assistance was slashed by .$6.5 million and gas prices have increased approximately 69 percent since 2001. The House Democratic Budget expands renewattle energy and energy efficiency by stimulating the economy with investments in the farm economy and in research to develop clean. sustainable energy alternatives to help America achieve energy independence in 10 years. The Presidents budget betrays Floridas children by underfunding the No Child Left Behind Act for the 6th year. Nearly 160.000 children in Florida will go without promised help in reading and math. The House Democratic Budget has a $3 billion increase in funding for programs like No Child Left. Behind. special education and aid to help students afford college. In closing. I would like to reiterate that Democrats are committed to a new direction for America in which the interests of hardworking Florida families take priority over the special interests. This budget delivers fiscal responsibility. economic prosperity. a strong national defense. access to healthcare and highquality public schools for the people in my district and for Americans overall.