[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 157 (Tuesday, November 9, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H11714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    AMERICAN FAMILIES DESERVE BETTER

  (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 majority has failed to act 
on the basic issues facing hard-working Americans. The Republican 
leadership started the year by trying to spend the surplus on an $800 
billion tax break for the wealthiest Americans, and they did this 
despite the fact that we need to strengthen and protect Social Security 
and Medicare. Their current plan fails to extend the life of Social 
Security by even one day. It neglects the need for a Medicare 
prescription drug benefit and hurts every American family in some way.
  The Republican leadership stifles common sense gun safety measures 
like child safety locks and background checks at gun shows, despite the 
fact that 13 children are killed every single day by guns. The 
Republican leadership is siding with the gun lobby and letting gaping 
loopholes remain open.
  This Congress should not leave town before its work is done.
  The Republican leadership should listen to the public, enact sensible 
gun safety laws, strengthen Social Security and Medicare, pass a 
prescription drug benefit bill and a minimum wage bill. Our families 
deserve better.

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