[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E756-E757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of 
H. Con. Res. 99, the 2008 House Budget Resolution, and I congratulate 
Chairman Spratt for advancing the priorities of American families.
  This budget moves our country in a new direction. First, it is 
fiscally responsible. In contrast to the 6 years of high budget 
deficits under the former majority, this proposal provides for a 
surplus in 2012 by strictly adhering to the pay-as-you-go principle 
adopted in the first days of the 110th Congress. It also protects the 
integrity of taxpayer dollars by instituting initiatives to crack down 
on wasteful or fraudulent spending. It is critical that we do not 
burden our children and grandchildren with crippling debt which 
threatens the competitiveness of this Nation.
  H. Con. Res. 99 provides for the top priority of the Federal 
Government--which is to keep our Nation safe and to keep our promises 
to the brave men and women that serve in the Armed Forces. This bill 
increases funding for veterans' health care and services by 14 percent, 
provides more homeland security funding than the Bush administration 
requested, and funds the 9/11 Commission recommendations.
  The Democratic budget resolution also makes critical investments in 
our future by doubling funding for the National Science Foundation and 
making significant increases in math and science education. This budget 
recognizes that one of the most efficient and effective investments we 
can make is in our children's education. It increases funding for No 
Child Left Behind, special education, Head Start, and student aid 
programs--all of which have been neglected or reduced over the past 6 
years. Studies have shown that by recognizing the needs of children 
today, we both save taxpayer dollars in the long run, and ensure the 
availability of highly skilled workers in the future.
  Last November Americans made clear that access to health care is a 
top priority for families and should be for the Congress. This

[[Page E757]]

budget rejects the draconian cuts to Medicare and Medicaid proposed by 
the Bush administration and provides for an expansion of the State 
Children's Health Insurance Program to insure millions more children.
  This budget recognizes that those who need tax relief in this country 
are not corporations and the very wealthiest. This proposal includes 
relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax for millions of middle-income 
taxpayers and extends other middle-income tax cuts like the child tax 
credit, marriage penalty relief and State and local deductions.
  The budget resolution is a statement of priorities. Chairman Spratt 
has proposed a common-sense, fiscally responsible budget that puts 
families first and grows our economy. I am proud to support H. Con. 
Res. 99 and urge all my colleagues to join me.
  I also congratulate the Progressive Caucus and the Congressional 
Black Caucus for the budget ideas they put forward. I have supported 
both of these amendments today largely because of the increased 
attention to diplomacy, peace, and investment in the global community. 
These issues must continue to be a part of the appropriations debate.

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