[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2] [House] [Page 1596] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]BUSH BUDGET IS MORE OF THE SAME MISSED OPPORTUNITIES AND MISPLACED PRIORITIES (Mr. WALZ of Minnesota asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, we are here to talk today about the recent unveiling of the President's budget. I think we should give the President credit. At least he's consistent. Like all of his previous budgets, this one does several things. It leaves most Americans behind and puts this Nation further in debt. At a time of a slowing economy and Americans increasingly struggling to make ends meet, the President focuses on $1 trillion in tax breaks to the top 1 percent of Americans. While the wealthiest few continue to prosper under the President, the President cuts vital energy, education, and health care investments. At a time of rising energy costs, the President slashes low-income energy assistance programs. At a time of college costs skyrocketing, the budget eliminates nearly $1 billion in grant programs. At a time of rising health care costs, the President proposes devastating Medicare and Medicaid cuts that would reduce affordable access to health care for our seniors. The one good thing that people know is the winds of change have been blowing. This Democratic Congress will restore these and put the priorities of American people first. ____________________