[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 21, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 1997

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 1996

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the concurrent resolution 
     (H. Con. Res. 178) establishing the congressional budget for 
     the U.S. Government for fiscal year 1997 and setting forth 
     appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 1998, 1999, 
     2000, 2001, and 2002:

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the 
Congressional Black Caucus and Progressive Caucus substitute budget for 
fiscal year 1997. This alternative reflects the vision of a caring 
majority. Unlike the Republican majority budget which dramatically 
threatens the health of millions of Americans, the CBC and Progressive 
Caucus' substitute protects the health of those in the dawn of life, 
our children, and those in the twilight of life, our seniors.
  The Republican measure continues their assault on the health of the 
weakest among us by gutting $158 billion from Medicare, gutting $72 
billion from Medicaid, forcing seniors to pay more for less health 
care, denying health care services to children aged 13 to 18, and 
eliminating the guarantee of coverage for all low-income seniors who 
cannot afford Medicare. The list of pain and suffering goes on and on.
  Mr. Chairman, the Congressional Black Caucus and Progressive Caucus 
alternative budget overturns the assault on the health of the American 
people, while also balancing the budget. The CBC budget increases 
funding for the program authorized under the Disadvantaged Minority 
Health Improvement Act in an effort to ensure an adequate supply of 
health care professionals in medically underserved areas; provides the 
resources necessary to adequately address the toxic waste disposal 
problem as outlined in the Environmental Justice Act and provides 
funding for historically black colleges' hospitals which have 
traditionally provided health care services for disadvantaged 
populations. To further progress in addressing the Nation's substance 
abuse problem, the measure increases funding to provide for a more 
comprehensive substance abuse treatment and prevention initiative.
  With respect to Medicare and Medicaid the Congressional Black Caucus 
and Progressive Caucus substitute ensures that current coverage of 
Medicaid and Medicare is preserved and strengthened. All savings 
generated from these programs are reinvested into strengthening these 
critical health care programs, not destroying them.
  To ensure continued improvements in the health of the American 
people, the measure also retains strong support for funding initiatives 
to further advances in the early detection, diagnosis, and prevention 
of disorders and diseases, from cancer, to diabetes, to aids, by 
enhancing funding for the Centers for Disease Control and the National 
Institutes of Health.
  Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the 
Congressional Black Caucus and Progressive Caucus caring budget. I urge 
my colleagues to join me in supporting this substitute budget which 
strengthens the Nation's fiscal policy and priorities in a responsible 
and compassionate manner.

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