[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET--FISCAL YEAR 1996

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                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 1995

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the concurrent resolution 
     (H. Con. Res. 67) setting forth the congressional budget for 
     the U.S. Government for the fiscal years 1996, 1997, 1998, 
     1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002:

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in 
strong support of the Congressional Back Caucus substitute budget for 
fiscal year 1996. The CBC substitute is a caring budget, it shows 
compassion for the American people and is one that the American people 
can be proud of. It not only balances the budget, the measure is 
responsive to the housing, health, education, and employment training 
needs of the American people.
  Unlike the Republicans' budget proposals, House Concurrent Resolution 
67, which holds our elderly hostage to their compromised health care 
condition and economic status, the
 Congressional Black Caucus substitute treats our elderly with the 
dignity and respect that they not only deserve--but have earned. 
Adequate funding is provided for the older Americans' programs, 
including essential nutrition programs, low-income home-energy 
assistance, and assisted housing. Medicare is preserved.

  The lives of more 2,000,000 Medicare seniors in Texas would be 
dramatically impacted, and by the year 2002 each Medicare senior in 
Texas would be asked to pay an additional $1,112 out-of-pocket 
expenses. Each would be forced to pay $4,000 more for fiscal years 1996 
through 2002 to make up for the cuts. We want the future to be free but 
not on the backs of seniors and those most vulnerable. Unlike the 
Republicans' budget proposal which forces our elderly to choose between 
food and heat, under the CBC alternative their quality of life is 
enhanced.
  The CBC substitute is also kind to our Nation's children, including 
those yet to be born. It provides adequate funding for Healthy Start, 
Child Care, and Head Start. Our children are our future. They
 have placed their future in our hands, we cannot sacrifice the trust.

  In addition, the CBC substitute budget strengthens support for higher 
education, student aid, TRIO, education for the disadvantaged, school 
reform, biomedical research, and community infrastructure. The CBC has 
heard the voice of the American people, and responded with a sound 
budget that is fair, responsible, and overturns the Republicans' 
assault on our Nation's most vulnerable citizens--the children, the 
elderly, the Veterans, and hard-working families.
  The Congressional Black Caucus substitute budget stands on its own 
merits. We know we must maintain a strong national defense--but we also 
know we must establish our fiscal policy and priorities in a 
responsible and compassionate manner.


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