[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 44 (Friday, March 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E412-E413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009

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                               speech of

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the concurrent resolution 
     (H. Con. Res. 312) revising the congressional budget for the 
     United States Government for fiscal year 2008, establishing 
     the congressional budget for the United States Government for 
     fiscal year 2009, and setting forth appropriate budgetary 
     levels for fiscal years 2010 through 2013:

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the 
Congressional Black Caucus Budget Substitute.
  I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), the gentlewoman from 
Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick), and all our staff for their hard work on 
this effort. Our budget reflects the values and priorities of the 
American people.
  The CBC Members represent some of the most conservative and most 
progressive people in this country. Some of us are from big cities; 
others come from tiny, little towns and farm lands. And every year we 
find a way to come together. Every year, we find a way to provide funds 
for the most important priorities of all our constituents.
  If you care about health care; if you care about homelessness; if you 
care about education; then you will support this substitute. Our 
amendment includes an additional $20 billion investment in education. 
And we provide an additional $17 billion for health care.
  In Georgia, the mortgage foreclosure crisis is devastating our 
communities. This budget includes an additional $8 billion to assist 
with housing and services for families, this disabled, senior citizens, 
and children. Unlike the President's budget proposal, we increase 
services and security for our constituents. And we find a way to pay 
for it.

[[Page E413]]

  Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to really look at this 
legislation. Study our fact sheets; read the dear colleague letters. 
Then really think about your constituents, and think about how our 
budget will better all of their lives.
  I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment.

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