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STATEMENT OF SENATOR HARKIN ON THE HOUSE BUDGET RECONCILIATION BILL
12/8/2005
WASHINGTON, D.C. –
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today released the following statement on the
Budget Reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Today the House passed
an ill-conceived bill which puts tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans
ahead of fiscal responsibility and needed resources for our most
vulnerable citizens. Forty percent of the benefits of this tax bill go
to those making over $1 million a year. Seventy-eight percent goes to
those making over $100,000 a year. This truly is a gross abuse.
“Not only will this bill
continue toward the path of an exploding federal deficit, it is paired
with a measure that slashes crucial programs which support
disadvantaged, hardworking American families. The House proposes
cutting child support enforcement that will reduce payments by an
estimated $24 billion, and hits the poorest of the poor by cutting food
assistance and raising health care costs for those that rely on
Medicaid.
“This is just plain
wrong. These choices do not reflect Iowa values. And they don’t reflect
the compassion of the American people. The Iowans I talk to are looking
for balance, fairness, and shared sacrifice. These tax cuts for the
wealthy and deep budget cuts for our most vulnerable citizens will only
take us in the wrong direction. I believe that together, America can do
better.”
