[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 205 (Wednesday, December 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE REPUBLICANS' ATTEMPT TO DISGUISE THE PRESIDENT'S PROPOSAL

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                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 20, 1995

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the Republicans' 
attempt to draw attention away from their lifethreatening budget, by 
attacking the President's budget proposal, are trying to disguise his 
proposal as a legislative measure. The President continues to be 
upfront with the Republicans. He has openly voiced his commitment to 
protecting Medicare, Medicaid, education, and the environment. And, the 
President has openly warned the GOP that he will veto measures which 
threaten the quality of life of the American people.
  Yet, for some reason, our Republican colleagues just don't get it. 
What does it take for them to realize that they cannot hide from their 
budget massacre. The GOP budget will adversely affect the lives of 
millions of children, seniors, the disabled, veterans, and families 
across the country.
  No matter how many times the Republicans show that they can pass a 
measure that will devastate the lives of the American people for 
generations to come--still does not make it right. As we gather here 
now, to vote on the Republicans' spin on the President's budget, the 
GOP is attempting to take the American people through another smoke and 
mirror budget maze.
  Mr. Speaker, we do not have time for more of the GOP's pranks. The 
time the Republicans are wasting here today should be being invested in 
completing action on the rest of the appropriations bills that are 
needed to reopen the Federal Government. If the Republican budget could 
stand on its own merit, the GOP would not have to resort to extremist 
tactics like we see here today. This action, coupled with the 
Republicans' politically staged shutdown of the Federal Government, to 
avoid real debate and serious negotiations on their budget, is not only 
ridiculous, it is in fact irresponsible.
  The American people must be asking themselves, when will the 
Republicans stop playing games with our lives: When will the 
Republicans take the needs of the American people seriously? And, most 
importantly, are the Republicans capable of negotiating, and passing a 
budget that is compassionate to children, seniors, the disabled, 
veterans, and hardworking families?
  Mr. Speaker, so far the Republicans' positive response to these 
critical questions remains to be seen. I urge my colleagues to put an 
end to the Republicans' pranks, and to strongly urge our Republican 
colleagues to negotiate a compassionate budget. The American people 
deserve nothing less.

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