[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 168 (Thursday, December 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONFERENCE REPORT ON S. 1932, DEFICIT REDUCTION ACT OF 2005

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                               speech of

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Sunday, December 18, 2005

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, There's a lot of talk about ``savings'' 
associated with this budget reconciliation, but let's be honest with 
ourselves and our children. This Congress continues to add to our $8 
trillion national debt. Nothing is being done here that is making any 
serious attempt to balance the national budget. Any reduction to our 
budget deficit will be more than offset by the tax cuts that Congress 
is still negotiating.
  What makes matters worse are the programs being targeted to pay for 
these tax cuts. Republican leadership is cutting federal child-support 
enforcement aid, reducing states' capacity to help families make sure 
that children get the financial support they are owed. Student loans 
are the subject of some of the largest cuts, $16 billion over 5 years.
  This budget cuts programs that help protect the financial well-being 
of our children and grandchildren; cuts that help them cope with an 
increasingly expensive education. Even worse, this budget will then add 
to the national debt that these future generations will have to payoff.
  It is a sad day for this country and a poor reflection on this 
Congress when our children will inherit a worse world because of what 
we do here today. This situation is a result of the Republican 
leadership's inability to legislate. Honest debate, open dialogue and 
legislating would not create bills so detrimental to society. This is 
the shameful outcome of back room negotiating and ideological policy 
making.

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