Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes Republican "Cut, Cap, and Balance" Proposal
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) spoke in opposition to the Republican “Cut, Cap, and Balance” Proposal that would cap spending at Ryan Budget levels, end the Medicare guarantee, extend tax breaks to special interest, and mandate the passage of a “balanced budget” constitutional amendment. The following is a transcript of her statement:
“I rise in strong opposition to what has appropriately been labeled the ‘Duck, Dodge and Dismantle Budget Bill’.
“Republicans duck making the hard choices by requiring us to actually amend our Constitution before we can act to avoid default. The end result: America fails to pay its bills on time.
“The Republicans dodge facing the real challenge by continuing tax breaks for the super wealthy and big oil, funding two wars, and other republican interests.
“And the Republicans want to dismantle our nation’s economic security for seniors, the disabled, and the poor by cutting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Making heartless cuts on the backs of the most vulnerable will not balance the budget and it is morally wrong.
“Now, with only 14 days left, Republicans are pushing for legislation that will guarantee a default and will kill hundreds of thousands of jobs.
“This ‘Duck, Dodge, and Dismantle Bill’ would end the social safety net, kill jobs, and set our nation back rather than move it forward.
“I urge my colleagues to oppose this job-killing bill that would be written in stone in our Constitution and turn the American dream into a nightmare for millions.”
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