[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 157 (Friday, December 3, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              THE DEFICIT

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                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 3, 2010

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise to discuss one of the 
most important issues facing our country today: the deficit. We all 
acknowledge that our current path is unsustainable. Revenue is at its 
lowest level in 60 years. Continuing with trillion dollar deficits year 
after year is an untenable position. The interest alone on this debt is 
over $400 billion for FY2010.
  However, I have the privilege of serving in this House for the 
distinct purpose of looking out for the most vulnerable in our society. 
I represent Milwaukee, which is the fourth most poverty stricken nation 
in the country. Looking down the road, it is clear to me that if we 
make permanent $3 trillion in Bush era tax cuts it will be those 
families that don't even have enough tax liability to benefit from that 
policy who will pay the consequences.
  Consider this: the annual deficit for 2010 is approximately $1.3 
trillion. Simply adding an additional $3.7 trillion over the next 
decade, which will be the total bill when we enact all of the Bush tax 
cuts, is completely irresponsible. I know for a certainty that if we 
continue down this fiscal path we will be forced into a position in 
which programs such as homelessness prevention, school lunches for the 
poor, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, unemployment 
benefits, and even Medicare for the elderly will be slashed. I simply 
cannot stand by and help advance that agenda.

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