[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 11677]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         OUT OF POVERTY CAUCUS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Towns) for 2 minutes.
  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, let me just sort of set the record straight 
and explain things.
  When President Obama came into office, we were in debt, and we were 
also involved in two wars. And when President Clinton left office, 
there was a surplus. So we need to make certain that we keep our facts 
in line.
  So I stand here this morning with the Out of Poverty Caucus to voice 
my opposition to the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act passed by this body 
yesterday.
  Furthermore, I'm very disturbed that many of the policies being 
promoted by some of my colleagues are unjust and they are just plain 
wrong. Cutting back on Medicare and Social Security is unfair to the 
senior citizens who have worked hard all of their lives and should not 
have to worry at this point whether they can afford to go to the doctor 
or buy the medicine that they need.
  Let me add, I am baffled at times by the fact that many of my 
colleagues refuse to even consider how unjust their proposals are. Yes, 
we must reduce our debt burden. I agree with that. But it is unjust to 
balance the budget on the backs of the poor and most vulnerable 
citizens in our Nation.
  The wealthy must join in the sacrifice. They must be included. 
According to a report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 
two-thirds of the income gains in the United States from 2002 to 2007 
went to the top 1 percent of the income earners. Many of my colleagues 
are saying give them more tax breaks. They're not even asking for more. 
But they're saying give them more.
  Many of the Members of this body believe it's all right to balance 
the budget by taking food out of the mouths of babies, by cutting WIC 
programs. Imagine how terrible it must be for a mother or father to 
send their kid to bed hungry at night.
  That is why I stand for the Out of Poverty Caucus and say enough is 
enough.

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