[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 18 (Thursday, February 17, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HELPING AMERICA STAY STRONG WITH STRONG FUNDING

  (Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise to talk about the 
budget that the President has delivered to the Committee on 
Appropriations. We began yesterday having hearings on that budget.
  We have got to invest in America's families and in America's 
children.
  This budget cuts $60 billion from Medicaid, an insurance program for 
children, the disabled, our States. Our States can ill-afford nursing 
home care for our residents. I am from the State of Michigan, with the 
highest unemployment rate in the country. We have to invest in our 
States and our cities. This budget does not do that. Community 
development block grants, grants to States and cities that would help 
cities build their infrastructure and fund various programs throughout 
the cities. Cuts to first responders and firefighters. Funding drug-
free schools. The programs go on. We must find the money to fund these 
programs. COPS programs, $40 million.
  Madam Speaker, our cities need our help. We have got to do better as 
appropriators. We have to do better as this Congress. Fund American 
families, fund the cities and States so that America can stay strong, 
as God intends.

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