WASHINGTON D.C. – As President Bush visited Des Moines Iowa today, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) criticized the Administration for its failed policies and misplaced budget priorities. Harkin noted that while the President has pushed tax breaks for the wealthiest of Americans, his policies have repeatedly failed hard-working Iowans on health care, education, veterans’ issues and Social Security.

“President Bush’s misplaced priorities don’t reflect the values of Iowans.” Harkin said. “His botched policies have sent this country in the wrong direction and it’s high time for a significant course correction.”

Social Security

Despite the overwhelming opposition to privatizing Social Security, President Bush once again plans to push ahead with his proposal to privatize the program. Harkin has repeatedly urged the President to work on a bipartisan basis to achieve a plan that will both strengthen Social Security and enhance the retirement security of all Americans.

“There is no excuse to rush into a plan that will cut benefits for America’s seniors, adds trillions to the debt, and does nothing to strengthen the system,” said Harkin. “The American people didn’t buy what Bush was selling the first time and I am sure they won’t buy it again.”

Education

In February 2006, the President Bush proposed the largest cut to education in the 26-year history of the Department of Education. His budget would have cut federal education spending by $2.1 billion. It also would have eliminated 42 programs, including all vocational and technical education programs.

The President’s most recent budget also substantially under funded the No Child Left Behind Act, cutting out 3.7 million students who are supposed to receive title I services – including about 18,000 in Iowa.

For students hoping to finance their higher education, that same budget froze the maximum Pell Grant award at $4,050, the same amount as four years ago, while tuition costs have raised dramatically.

“The Bush Administration continues to leave behind some of the best and the brightest who can’t afford the skyrocketing cost of education,” Harkin said.

Health Care

While giving away millions in tax breaks to the wealthy, the Bush Administration sought funding cuts for 17 of the 18 institutes at the National Institutes of Health this year. That would have meant that funds for the National Cancer Institute would drop by $40 million, and funds for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute would drop by $21 million.

During the Bush Presidency, the number of uninsured Americans increased to 46.1 million with an additional 1.5 million in 2005 alone. At the same time, fewer Americans are finding health insurance through their employers. For those who can, the average health insurance premium has increased 87% over the last six years.

“The Republicans have made giveaways to the rich a higher priority than funding life-saving medical research and development, or expanding access to critical healthcare coverage,” Harkin said.

Veterans

For our dedicated veterans who have bravely served their country, the Bush Administration has said thank you with budget proposals that have resulted in higher veterans’ health care fees, reduced veterans’ health care services and longer benefit-wait times.

Most notably, the President’s budget this year would have slashed funding by 50 percent for the Brain Injury Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the premier center for treating head injuries, which have become, sadly, the signature wounds of the Iraq war.

“This is beyond the usual nickel-and-diming of our returning veterans. It is callous and cruel,” Harkin said. “Our service men and women who give so much for this country deserve better.”

###