[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 3, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         1999 DEMOCRATIC AGENDA

  (Ms. DeLAURO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, today Democrats from both Chambers will 
unveil our agenda for the 106th Congress. At the top of that agenda are 
the two pillars of retirement security, Social Security and Medicare. 
So that there can be no doubt about our priorities, I will state it 
loud and clear. Democrats are committed to using the lion's share of 
the Federal surplus to protect Social Security and Medicare well into 
the future.
  For the first time in three decades, the Federal Government has a 
surplus. This is a historic opportunity to protect Social Security and 
Medicare so that our seniors can live independently and with dignity. 
Protecting Social Security and Medicare is sound fiscal planning. Two-
thirds of our seniors rely on Social Security for over one-half of 
their income. Medicare ensures that 99 percent of our seniors have 
health insurance. These two programs are paramount to a strong and a 
vibrant America and should come before a 10 percent tax cut that 
benefits mostly the wealthy. The surplus must be used carefully, not 
spent irresponsibly on a one-time, feel-good tax break.
  On behalf of our peers and our parents and our children, let us not 
squander this historic opportunity.

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