[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 1596]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  BUSH BUDGET IS MORE OF THE SAME MISSED OPPORTUNITIES AND MISPLACED 
                               PRIORITIES

  (Mr. WALZ of Minnesota asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, we are here to talk today about 
the recent unveiling of the President's budget. I think we should give 
the President credit. At least he's consistent. Like all of his 
previous budgets, this one does several things. It leaves most 
Americans behind and puts this Nation further in debt.
  At a time of a slowing economy and Americans increasingly struggling 
to make ends meet, the President focuses on $1 trillion in tax breaks 
to the top 1 percent of Americans. While the wealthiest few continue to 
prosper under the President, the President cuts vital energy, 
education, and health care investments. At a time of rising energy 
costs, the President slashes low-income energy assistance programs. At 
a time of college costs skyrocketing, the budget eliminates nearly $1 
billion in grant programs. At a time of rising health care costs, the 
President proposes devastating Medicare and Medicaid cuts that would 
reduce affordable access to health care for our seniors.
  The one good thing that people know is the winds of change have been 
blowing. This Democratic Congress will restore these and put the 
priorities of American people first.

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