Despite a modest reduction in the tax cut originally proposed by the Administration, it is still far too large.  To pay for it, the agreement usurps funds that should go to other critical priorities – like reducing our debt, creating a stable defense, improving education, providing affordable health care and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, and a real prescription drug benefit for our seniors.  Particularly in light of the fact that just today, as reported, spending on prescription drugs has increased by almost 19 percent. 

Furthermore, this fundamentally flawed agreement would cut federal programs that are vital to our nation’s small business, worker, health, environmental protection, energy efficiency and housing needs.  This budget also shortchanges our vast transportation and infrastructure needs, decreases funding for critical law enforcement programs, and cuts budget authority for the benefits our veterans have earned.  We would all like to reward hard-working Americans by returning some of their tax dollars, but we also need to ensure that our most pressing needs are met.

These are real concerns that warrant a real budget based on real numbers, not partisan rhetoric that falsely touts cooperation and accord.  Bipartisan negotiations involve a lot more than just inviting a couple of folks over to the White House for lunch.  

I urge my colleagues to join me in rejecting this ill-conceived Republican proposal and supporting instead a sensible, well-balanced budget resolution that speaks to the needs of every American family.