[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 1, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                            Budget Proposals

  Now, later today, I will join a number of Senate Democratic 
colleagues to talk about a new report that throws a spotlight on the 
dangerous ways the Republican budget proposals would harm average 
Americans.
  As has been the case so many times this year, this report tells a 
story of contrasts. On the one hand, Democrats and President Biden have 
spent the last 2 years reducing the Federal deficit, lowering drug 
costs, lowering people's energy bills, and making sure the wealthiest 
pay their fair share.
  But here are just a few of the things the Republican budget proposals 
would do. Listen to this. The American people ain't going to like it.
  Republican proposals would push millions of Americans off Social 
Security benefits and raise the retirement age to 70.
  Republican proposals would privatize Medicare, which would gut 
seniors' benefits, threatening their access to guaranteed services, and 
force those who are able to remain on Medicare to pay higher premiums.
  Republican proposals would cut Medicaid by $2.2 trillion and end 
coverage for tens of millions of Americans, especially people with 
disabilities, seniors, and families living on lower incomes. A large 
part of Medicaid goes to help people who are in nursing homes and 
assisted living, and that takes a huge burden off 30-, 40-, 50-year-
olds who want to care for their parents but those high costs are 
something beyond their budgets.
  And Republican proposals would narrow healthcare eligibility for 
veterans and cut VA mandatory funding--and so much more, so much more.
  These proposals are anathema, I believe, to the American people, for 
sure, but even to most Republicans. That is why we Democrats keep 
insisting that Speaker McCarthy answer the one question we have all 
been asking and gotten no answer to. The question we have been asking 
Speaker McCarthy is: Where is your plan?
  We believe a plan this drastic will not get the votes in the 
Republican conference in the House. So, Speaker McCarthy, show us your 
plan. Speaker McCarthy, show us your plan.
  Republicans love to tout themselves as the party of the average 
Americans, but actions speak louder than words. When Republicans help 
tax cheats; call for putting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid on 
the chopping block; and cut taxes for billionaires and 
megacorporations, there is no question where they truly stand with the 
wealthy, with the very well-connected, and with the biggest of 
corporations.