[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H1603-H1604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN BUDGET DIFFERENCES

  (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, the Republican budget is deja vu all over 
again. Just like 4 years ago, the Republican leadership has concocted a 
budget that flies in the face of mainstream America.
  Their budget fails to extend the life of Medicare by even one day. 
Instead of strengthening this pillar of retirement security, the 
Republican budget lets Medicare spend itself into oblivion and collapse 
in the year 2008. It does not use one penny of the surplus to 
strengthen Medicare. But while Medicare burns, the Republican budget 
uses the surplus to give nearly $1 trillion in tax breaks for the 
wealthy. This is irresponsible, and it is wrong.
  The Democratic budget reflects the priorities of the American people. 
First and foremost, it takes the high road and strengthens Medicare 
until 2018. It provides tax relief to working middle class families 
that need it most. Unlike the Republican plan, which fails to give 48 
million families any tax relief at all, the Democratic budget plan 
delivers tax relief and strengthens Medicare.
  The American people deserve a budget that is responsible, that is 
fair. They

[[Page H1604]]

do not need a double dose of deja vu. Let us strengthen Medicare, and 
let us give middle class families a tax cut.

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