Barbara Lee Rejects GOP Budget, Supports CBC Alternative
(Washington, DC) – Tonight, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) spoke out against the Republican budget resolution, and for the Congressional Black Caucus alternative budget. She gave the following statement during debate on the House floor:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the Congressional Black Caucus alternative budget and in opposition to the Republican budget.
“Mr. Speaker, the Republican budget falls short on every count, particularly when it comes to our defense priorities.
“The CBC budget reallocates $9.4 billion from an unworkable missile defense program and puts it towards our real security priorities, priorities like making sure that our troops have enough body armor. Priorities like ensuring that our veterans have full access to benefits. Priorities like securing our ports.
“In addition, Mr. Speaker, this substitute takes a first step at combating the enormous problem of waste, fraud, and abuse at the Pentagon.
“Mr. Speaker, GAO has concluded that of the one-third of the recommendations it has made to DoD on waste, fraud, and abuse in the last five years, DoD has saved $40.8 billion by implementing them.
“Imagine how much would be saved and put back into education, into healthcare, into a livable world four our communities here in America and abroad if the rest of these recommendations are implemented?
“This substitute would require the Defense Department to work on eliminating waste, fraud and abuse immediately, and our national security priorities are taken very seriously in this budget.
“Let’s support the Congressional Black Caucus Budget.”
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