[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONFERENCE REPORT ON S. CON. RES. 95, CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE 
                      BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005

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                               speech of

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2004

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, budgets should be plans for the future. 
They should reflect our values and provide a roadmap to the kind of 
country we want to be.
  But this budget provides virtually no plan whatsoever. In an 
unprecedented sleight-of-hand, this budget only applies any semblance 
of fiscal responsibility--the so-called ``PAYGO'' rules--to the other 
body's budget, not this one--exempting, of course, $55 billion in tax 
cuts for the wealthy. It covers only a single year of budget policy, 
demonstrating the Republicans' utter lack of commitment to providing 
the critical resources for defense, homeland security, education, 
veterans, and other priorities. And, for all intents and purposes, it 
increases the debt limit for the third time in 3 years. If budgets are 
roadmaps, this one puts us on a road to nowhere.
  Deficits do matter, Mr. Speaker. At a time when rising health care 
costs, and declining wages are squeezing our middle class, deficits do 
not make our country stronger. They lead to rising interest rates, less 
business investment and declining homeownership, and make it harder for 
families to achieve financial security. Deficits are a problem for our 
children and our children's children.
  At a time when manufacturing employment, once the foundation of our 
economy, is at a 53-year low, with many of those jobs having been sent 
overseas, when hundreds of thousands of Americans are giving up hope 
looking for work every month, it is time we choose a different course 
for this country--a responsible course. It is time we act with a shared 
sense of purpose and responsibility to address the tasks before our 
country. That is what this budget process should be about, and that is 
what this budget should do.




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