Democrats understand the imperative for deficit reduction and revenue increase. However, we believe in a balanced approach that promotes fairness and shared responsibility while moving our country forward. Rather than ending the Medicare guarantee, which would raise costs for seniors, we should be working together to preserve and strengthen Medicare for future generations. We should also focus on fostering an educated workforce that will restore American competiveness in the global economy. Furthermore, instead of trying to repeal the healthcare law that provided coverage to over 30 million uninsured Americans, we should try to find ways to expand it so that no American goes uncovered.

I urge my Republican Colleagues to join Democrats as we try to restore the people's trust in government and faith in the American Dream.  The nation's budget is a moral document. Our country cannot move towards a better future by casting our most vulnerable aside. We have an obligation to protect the sick, the aged, and the poor. I urge my Republican Colleagues to join Democrats as we try to restore the people's trust in government and faith in the American Dream.”