[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 168 (Thursday, December 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Sunday, December 18, 2005

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, today we begin to debate this budget package 
and attempt to wrap up legislative business for the year. As we do so, 
many members find themselves thinking about going home to be with their 
families.
  For me, I look forward to spending time with my family and 
particularly my 2-year-old granddaughter Anna. As many of my colleagues 
already know, Anna is the driving force behind my work in Congress--I 
want to make sure that we create policy that is best for Anna and those 
in her generation who do not have a say in what we are doing here 
today.
  Therefore, I favor reducing the deficit. Anna and her generation 
should not have to bear the burden of the debt this Congress has 
created. But Congress must reduce the deficit in a responsible manner 
that results in a shared sacrifice.
  Unfortunately, H.R. 4241 fails to do this. It disproportionately 
places the burden of these cuts on a few. And it also imposes cuts on 
key programs including Medicaid, child support enforcement and student 
loans.
  When I consider how these cuts will impact my constituents and their 
families back in Sacramento--not to mention Anna and her friends--it is 
clear this is not a conscientious way to cut spending.
  For example, one of the critical programs cut in this bill are 
student loans. By doing so we are placing greater financial stress on 
students who are already spread thin.
  Recently I met with a group of students from Sacramento State, who 
reiterated this point to me. Each one of them stressed the importance 
of student loans in financing their education.
  We need to be investing in the future to compete in the global 
marketplace. But, by cutting these loan programs we are undercutting 
America's ability to compete.
  This is only one example of the impact of these cold-hearted spending 
cuts. Spending cuts necessary to finance the tax breaks in this budget 
package.
  We need to restore fiscal responsibility in a way that makes sense--
in a way that aligns with the priorities of the American people. But 
the draconian cuts in this bill will not accomplish that. If you showed 
the American people the tradeoffs in this budget, they would tell 
Congress to go back to the drawing board and get it right. They would 
urge us to fund vital programs before cutting taxes for the fifth time 
in five years.
  Why rush through legislation that could have tremendous repercussions 
on so many in this Nation? Instead, I would urge my colleagues to vote 
down this bill--take this holiday season to reflect on our Nation's 
true priorities and needs. Let's start fresh next year and figure out a 
way to protect future generations without impeding this government's 
ability to help those that need it the most.

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