[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13407-S13408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MISPLACED PRIORITIES

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, as elected representatives of the American 
people, we have a responsibility to work with each other and to focus 
on their needs. This is an obligation that Democratic Senators have not 
taken lightly.
  We have spent the last 11 months trying to make a difference for each 
American citizen. Democrats fought to protect Social Security when 
those in the majority, the Republicans, tried to destroy it through 
their risky privatization scheme. Democrats fought for a budget that 
honors America's values. When Republicans passed a terrible budget, 
leading religious leaders called it immoral. They called it immoral 
because of its deep cuts and irresponsible tax breaks. Why did they do 
that? One only needs to look at the Old Testament or the New Testament 
to find why.
  In the 112th Psalm we are told that: He hath given to the poor; his 
righteousness will endure forever. In the New Testament, in the Book of 
Galatians, second chapter, 10th verse: Only that we should remember the 
poor. That is why leading religious leaders of this country have called 
the budget an immoral one.
  We moved quickly to help Katrina's victims, when that storm exposed 
the Bush administration's incompetence. It became clear that 
Republicans were going to sit on their hands. Democrats tried to help 
families with energy prices, when prices spiked and congressional 
Republicans only seemed to care about their friends in the oil 
industry.
  We stood for the troops, veterans, and a success story in Iraq, when 
it became clear that the White House was more interested in launching 
vicious attacks than providing the leadership America needs.
  Democrats know that we are sent here to do a job on behalf of the 
American people. We understand that together we can do better. 
Unfortunately, in most all instances, those in the majority have 
shunned our efforts. Instead of joining us in helping every American, 
they have blocked our efforts and decided to focus on the narrow 
interests of a special few. In fact, if you want to see the misplaced 
priorities of the Republican Party, look no further than the agenda 
they set for the Senate.

[[Page S13408]]

  If the Senate could spend over 30 days debating extreme judges and 
devote days to the tragic affairs of the Schiavo family, Republicans 
should have been able to find a few days to help millions of Americans 
with health care, education, and, of course, the skyrocketing cost of 
gasoline, heating oil, and natural gas.
  While some of the work we have done this year is important, more 
important is the work that we have missed. Consider the latest example: 
Katrina relief. Democrats introduced a comprehensive Katrina relief 
package. It was a good package. It was done hours after the storm had 
passed. The legislation, S. 1637, included proposals to ensure that 
displaced families received the health care, housing, and financial 
relief they needed. Republicans talked a good game about helping 
victims. Yet over 2 months later, you only have to pick up any 
newspaper to know that tens of thousands of Americans still need 
housing, health care, and financial help. Democrats have tried to act 
on these families' behalf, but every time Republicans have found 
something better to do.
  Of course, this is a pattern all too familiar. When Democrats wanted 
to discuss health care and education, Republicans decided to debate 
changing Senate rules so they could pack the courts with some extreme 
nominees. When Democrats wanted to help families struggling with rising 
oil prices, Republicans gave billions in tax breaks to oil companies 
that are already making obscene profits. And when Democrats wanted to 
help the neediest among us, Republicans decided to make deep cuts to 
programs working families depend on so they could give tax breaks to 
special interests and the very elite of our country.
  America can do better than these misplaced priorities. Whether it is 
supporting our troops or providing relief for rising health and energy 
costs, it is time for the Senate to get its priorities straight. The 
Democratic agenda is one that deals with health care, energy costs, 
and, in effect, getting our priorities straight.
  When we return next session, we should not waste more time putting 
the needs of the special few ahead of the priorities of the American 
people. Let's pass fiscally responsible tax relief to help middle-class 
families being squeezed between declining wages and rising prices. The 
rich are getting richer; the poor are getting poorer. The middle class 
is getting squeezed. Let's move forward on issues like energy 
dependence, real security, and affordable health care. Let's build on 
the progress we made on Tuesday with our vote on Iraq.
  On Tuesday, Democrats and Republicans voted overwhelmingly to express 
no confidence in the administration's Iraq policy. We must continue to 
push the President because it is clear that he has no interest in 
taking the Senate's advice.
  Instead of changing course, as the Senate demanded, the White House 
has decided to reignite the Cheney-Rove smear machine and attack its 
critics instead. We saw it yesterday with Congressman Jack Murtha. 
While I don't agree with the immediate withdrawal plan Congressman 
Murtha proposed, this brave man's patriotism and his commitment to 
defend our country should never be questioned, especially by this White 
House, as it was.

  Congressman Murtha served valiantly in Vietnam. He is a highly 
decorated veteran, someone who knows what it is like to bleed in 
combat, literally. When he speaks, the White House should listen. They 
could learn something. Let's remember, Congressman Murtha isn't the 
only combat veteran calling for a debate about Iraq. In the Senate, 
Republican Senator Chuck Hagel has also said it is our patriotic duty 
to question what is going on.
  The deceiving, distorting, and divisive political attacks must end. 
We need an open, honest debate about what is happening in Iraq. Next 
year I hope Republicans will join with us in this debate. It is easy to 
attack those who don't agree with you. The hard part is leading and 
giving our troops the strategy for success.
  The days and months ahead should be used to do the people's business. 
We can't change the past, but we can change the future.
  Next year we need to focus on the priorities of American families. 
Together we can do better and give our citizens a government as good 
and honest as its people.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Talent). The Senator from Kentucky.

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