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Extension of Remarks Submitted by Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) in Support of (H.Con.Res.99) the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Resolution

Washington, Mar 28 -

“Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Democratic Budget Resolution. 

In the face of a burgeoning national debt, I want to commend Chairman John Spratt for drafting a budget that reflects the commitment of our new Democratic majority to restore fiscal integrity, and shift federal budget priorities to reflect key American values. 

This budget resolution will balance the federal budget in five years by requiring that any new expenditure be offset.  This is a fiscally responsible policy that turned deficits into surpluses in the 1990s. 

The Democratic Budget Resolution also stands in contrast to Administration policies that have undermined long-term investments in areas that help to improve the quality of life of Americans.  This resolution addresses the shortfalls of past budgets, and reflects key American values by increasing funding levels to enhance health care for our nation’s children, and for our men and women returning from combat.

The budget resolution helps enhance and expand educational opportunities for millions of American students who have been left behind by the misguided policies of the Administration.  The No Child Left Behind Act was enacted to ensure that every child, regardless of race, income, or background, receives a high quality education.  Unfortunately, over the past six years, the Administration has never fully funded the program, forcing schools to comply with the Act’s high standards without the resources needed to succeed.  This budget resolution puts the education of our children first, by increasing funding for the implementation of No Child Left Behind.  In addition, it increases funding for special education, the Head Start program, and student aid for higher education.  

Madam Speaker, there are millions of children without health insurance, including over one million in my home state of California.  This Democratic budget resolution also makes investments in the health of our nation’s children by increasing funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by $50 billion.  This increase will help parents who worry every day about their ability to care for their children in time of illness and injury.

Equally as important, this budget resolution upholds our nation's sacred commitment to our servicemen and women by providing for the largest veterans funding increase in the history of our nation.  The $32 billion increase in veterans health care and services over the next five years is critically needed to improve existing VA healthcare facilities, and to ensure that disability claims for our returning servicemembers are quickly and accurately processed.  This Democratic budget helps ensure that our veterans receive high quality and accessible care that is worthy of their sacrifice. 

This fiscally responsible Democratic budget reflects the beginning of an important shift in which government truly works on behalf of the American people.  I urge my colleagues to support America’s future by voting for this fair and responsible Democratic Budget Resolution.”

 

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