[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 591]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             WAR ON POVERTY

  (Mr. BUTTERFIELD asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remind my colleagues that the 
war on poverty, begun 50 years ago by President Johnson, is still 
relevant today. As we debate the great issues, we must not forget that 
nearly 50 million Americans in 2012 were below the poverty level, and 
that includes 13 million children. Most startling, Mr. Speaker, 16 
million of those live below half of the poverty line. Were it not for 
the safety net that some want to dismantle, 41 million more would live 
in poverty.
  It is undeniable that the poverty rate has decreased, but the fact 
remains that the face of poverty continues to be low-income Whites and 
racial minorities and females and children. The omnibus bill will 
continue to dismantle nondefense discretionary spending to a level that 
will reverse the gains made over the past 50 years.
  I plead with my colleagues to be vigilant in our fight to end poverty 
in America. Our oath requires us to provide for the common defense, but 
it also requires that we provide for the common good and enable every 
American to achieve the American Dream.

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