Louise Slaughter

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan).

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller). (Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell). (Mr. DINGELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the minority whip.

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, we have heard a great deal from the Republican Party recently about its commitment to reforming the way the House does business. Again today the Republicans have told us that they have learned from their mistakes, and they will never again allow special interests to distract them from doing the work of the American people. Actions speak louder than words, and this budget bill before us today is proof that despite all the talk of reform nothing has changed with its leadership. This is a bill that cuts Medicare spending by $6.4 billion. It cuts child support enforcement by $1.5 billion. It cuts $343 million from foster care programs. Last year, we knew what was behind this bill. It was tax cuts for the very rich. In order to offset the administration's unprecedented giveaway to the country's richest citizens, they are willing to cut the services to the neediest Americans. All of us, while we were home in January, heard from citizen after citizen, constituent after constituent, of the harm that this bill would do to them, begging us not to vote for it. Such an indefensible set of priorities is still the major reason why the majority gave us this bill again today, but this year things are even worse. We are being asked to vote on a bill that more than ever before proves that the culture of corruption is alive and well in this Congress. At the behest of the drug and managed care industries, who met with the key legislators in closed, backdoor sessions, the Republican conferees have changed this legislation so that it will save these industries a total of $42 billion. Now, how do they suggest that we pay for this new and improved giveaway to the corporate lobby? By increasing the co-payments and reducing health coverage for children, for seniors and for people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid. This last year showed us the terrible consequences of poor leadership. We saw a national disaster turn into a national tragedy because of a failed government response. We saw self-interest run amok as top lawmakers violated the people's trust, and they were indicted and forced to step down in the wake of scandal. We saw our troops and the people of Iraq struggle heroically to lift not just the weight of a vicious insurgency, but also the burden of poor planning and unfulfilled promises from the White House. Here again today, Republicans are acting to make the American people victims of unscrupulous, disingenuous leadership, while they talk of reform and change, and we cannot afford another year like the last one. Remember, that as you cut the very life out of these programs, you are doing it to provide a tax cut for the richest Americans. Every Member of this body needs to know the serious consequences of this vote today. A vote for this bill is a vote to literally take away health care from our children so we can give more money to the super- rich. A vote for this bill is a vote to weaken Medicare for our struggling seniors, who are having enough trouble with the so-called Medicare reform bill that we passed here and is giving everybody a fit trying to understand Medicare part D and that thousands are doing without their medication because of it. It will also put college education farther out of the reach of our students, even though the President last night discussed that our competitiveness depends on what we are teaching our students today, so we can fund more tax-cut giveaways. Remember, that is what you are voting for. A vote for this bill supports the culture of corruption, and also America can and must do better than this budget reconciliation and what this party is offering us today. I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill and vote ``yes'' for a new day here in Washington. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I insert in the Record two documents referring to this bill. House of Representatives, Committee on Government Reform, Washington, DC, January 30, 2006. Budget Reconciliation and the Alexander Strategy Group Vote No Until We Know Dear Colleague: Do you know why the pending Budget Reconciliation Conference Report contains none of the $10 billion in cuts to pharmaceutical companies that passed the Senate? Neither do I. But I have a guess. On the back of this letter is the interim disclosure for the first six months of 2005, showing: PhRMA, The Alexander Strategy Group, Ed Buckham, and Tony Rudy all working together on ``Medicare, Medicaid, Prescription Drug Issues, and Budget Process.'' (The final disclosure forms are not due until February 15). Postpone the vote on Budget Reconciliation until after an investigation is conducted on the role of the scandal-ridden Alexander Strategy Group in the negotiations. Ask the Speaker to create a bipartisan investigation. You don't want to vote in favor of a tainted bill. Vote No until we know. Sincerely, Henry A. Waxman, Ranking Minority Member. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH01FE06.001 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH01FE06.002 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH01FE06.003

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall votes Nos. 664 and 671. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my statement appear in the permanent Record immediately following these votes. H.R. 2520, on Passage, rollcall No. 664, ``aye.'' H. Con. Res. 275, rollcall No. 671, ``aye.''

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 37 years of public service Mr. Thomas F. McHugh has devoted to the City of Rochester. His hard work and commitment to the city's development will set an example for current and future public servants, and Rochester is grateful for all that Mr. McHugh has contributed. Mr. McHugh grew up in Ancram, Massachusetts. His father was in the insurance business and his mother was a teacher. It was from them that he learned the importance of a strong work ethic and a responsibility to community. He carried these lessons with him as studied at University of Syracuse and moved to Rochester upon his graduation. Mr. McHugh began his career with the City of Rochester, serving 5 years as Project Director in the Department of Urban Renewal & Economic Development. In that capacity, he directed the $100 million, 175-acre Upper Falls Urban Renewal Project. From there, he moved to the Rochester Housing Authority where he has served as the Executive Director of the Rochester Housing Authority for the past 32 years. As Executive Director, he has ensured that low-income families, elderly, people with disabilities and many other members of the community have access to quality affordable housing. Mr. McHugh has greatly expanded the affordable housing opportunities in the City of Rochester and Monroe County. When Mr. McHugh started with the RHA in 1974, it had approximately 1,100 Public Housing Units and 93 employees. Today RHA consists of 2,440 Public Housing units, 7,700 Assisted Housing units and 195 employees. Even with the addition of so many units, the Rochester community continues to regard RHA in the highest terms because of the commitment to keep properties in good repair. Mr. McHugh has developed and nurtured collaborations and partnerships with numerous public service agencies and community organizations. He has continuously maintained a positive working relationship with not only the City of Rochester, but also Monroe County, and State and Federal agencies. While administering housing for more than 10,000 households is a daunting task in and of itself, under Mr. McHugh's leadership, RHA has used its resources in an effective and efficient manner. RHA has reported solid financial performance year after year and achieved high ratings in HUD's assessment programs for Section 8 and public housing. Mr. McHugh spearheaded the effort to redesign Rochester's first public housing complex, the State-built Hanover Houses that consisted of seven high rise building for low-income families. He replaced the Hanover Houses with townhouse units to house families, seniors and people with disabilities that maintain a much greater degree of livability and security. Mr. McHugh greatly expanded the scope of resident and educational services at RHA. Through the Family Investment Center Department and a Social Services Department, RHA has provided to thousands of residents training on family self-sufficiency, computers, construction trades apprenticeships, GED attainment and job placement. RHA also now has resources and staff available to assist residents who need counseling services for drug prevention or other types of intervention. Under Mr. McHugh's leadership, RHA developed a summer camp program which serves over 250 young people and created an after school tutoring program. RHA has nutrition programs for seniors and provides a senior escort van to transport them to shopping and doctor appointments. Mr. McHugh's public service has not been limited to only the Rochester Housing Authority. During his 32-year career at RHA he has had long time affiliations, board memberships and service on committees with many organizations such as: Council of Large Public Housing Agencies (CLPHA), National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), Middle Atlantic Regional Council of NAHRO, National Leased Housing Association, National Low-Income Housing Coalition, Regional Council on Aging, Legal Aid Society of Rochester, Women's Career Center, St. John the Evangelist Church, Sisters of Mercy Founders Club, SWV Realty Corporation, Monroe Housing Development Corporation, GEVA Theatre, Downstairs Cabaret Theatre, Rochester Area Educational Television Association, Blue Cross of Monroe County, Project Self-Sufficiency Monroe County Task Force, Marie and Joseph Wilson Foundation, Workforce Investment Board and the Family First Federal Credit Union. Through Mr. McHugh's leadership, compassion and commitment, thousands of people have been able to improve the quality of their lives because they had a good quality, safe, and affordable home. Many have used RHA as a springboard to better jobs, self-sufficiency and home ownership. He is a shining example of the difference one devoted individual can make in providing quality affordable housing opportunities, building communities, encouraging self-sufficiency and protecting the dignity of people with limited resources while at the same time safeguarding the public trust. As Mr. McHugh heads into retirement, it is with great pleasure that I recognize and commend Mr. McHugh for his 37 years of dedicated and successful public service. If a man can be judged wealthy because he has friends and colleagues who both respect and admire him, then Thomas F. McHugh is truly a wealthy man. He leaves a great legacy that can serve as an example to all of us. My most sincere and heartfelt congratulations go out to Mr. McHugh for a job well done.

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I am disappointed and sad to say that the content of the budget, and the way we are approaching it, confirms the fears of the American people instead of their hopes. The bill the Republicans reported less than an hour ago is a bill that no one has seen, but one that will have far-reaching impact on the future of our country. We do not know everything it does, and yet we are being asked to vote on it before the ink is even dry. Our form of government requires the trust of the people, a trust that this leadership has not earned. Being asked to take the Federal budget on faith, in a year when the majority has itself lost faith in the values that matter most to our democracy, integrity, honesty and openness, is simply asking too much. One thing we do know about this budget is that its very foundation is fundamentally dishonest. The majority has titled it the Deficit Reduction Act when the facts clearly show that the bill, when combined with the Republican tax giveaway to the rich, will actually increase the deficit by billions of dollars. Supporters will also claim that they have addressed criticisms of the legislation, but they are not being honest either. It is true that the leadership was shamed by the public, the Democrats, and even by Members of their own party into abandoning some of the most egregious attacks on the less fortunate. But the fact remains that the bill still takes over $1 billion from child support services. It cuts education spending by $16.2 billion so that our Nation's children will find it harder to go to college and to realize their dreams. And it slashes Medicaid by $5 billion, putting health care for those who need it further out of reach. The budget does all this while adding to the deficit and giving away tens of billions of dollars to the rich and the super rich in tax cuts, dramatic cuts that middle-class Americans will not share in, but will be asked to pay for. Is this really what our constituents sent us here to do, to spend the holiday season taking from the needy so that we can give even more to those who need it the least? Mr. Speaker, this year has repeatedly shown us the consequences of poor leadership. We saw a natural disaster turn into a national tragedy because of failed government response, casting doubt on our readiness to respond to future challenges. We saw self-interest run amok, as top lawmakers violated the people's trust and were indicted and forced to step down in the wake of scandal. We saw our troops and the people of Iraq struggle heroically to lift not just the weight of a vicious insurgency but also the burden of poor planning and unfulfilled promises from the White House. And here again today, the American people will be made victims of unscrupulous, disingenuous leadership. On the opening day of the 109th Congress, almost 1 year ago, the first act of this leadership was to try to destroy the House ethics committee under the guise of ethical reform. Unfortunately, my colleagues in the majority have committed to ending this session of Congress on the same sad note with which they began it, by employing unacceptable, unprecedented tactics and trying to deceive the American people out of pure political self-interest at the expense of this body and our shared values. We cannot afford another year like this. We need to start investing in America's future, not letting those in power invest only in their friends at America's expense. It is time for real reform, for real integrity, for real leadership. It is time for a change, and together we can do better. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Ms. SLAUGHTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the minority leader.

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott). (Mr. McDERMOTT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Cleaver).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin). (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller). (Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).