IRAQ

 “This week, I joined with 121 of my colleagues in urging the President to pursue a more diplomatic approach to the escalating situation in Iraq.  While Osama bin Laden, the admitted mastermind of the September 11th attacks on our nation, still roams free to plot additional harm to Americans, the President is committed to attacking Iraq before it is proven that there is indeed a clear violation of the United Nations accord.  The most immediate threat to our citizens and our security is Al Qaeda, and the United States should sharpen our focus on the hunt for bin Laden, while allowing the United Nations to perform its duties in Iraq as prescribed under the UN Security Council resolution.
Before hundreds of thousands of United States servicemen and women are placed in harm’s way, the President should share with them and their families any evidence he possesses on Iraq’s pending threat to the security of the United States and its allies."

HEALTH CARE

 “Tonight, the President issued yet another plan to address the prescription drug burden on the nation’s and Rhode Island’s senior citizens.  While I am pleased to see that the Administration has recognized this as one of many ailments in our health care system, I am greatly concerned about any proposal that envisions forcing our seniors into private health maintenance organizations in order to receive enhanced benefits.  Had Rhode Island's seniors been forced to rely upon Harvard Pilgrim Health Care for critical medical care in recent years, they would have seen that coverage terminated, with potentially devastating results.  For this reason among others, I remain committed to opposing any privatization of the federal Medicare program.
 
ECONOMY

 “Tax cuts for the wealthy are not the shot in the arm the nation needs to revive our economy.  Unfortunately, the Bush Administration's proposed tax cuts once again are disproportionately catered to those in the higher income brackets -- those who need help least.

 “My Democratic colleagues and I have presented a plan that not only contributes to rapid job growth, but also provides a refundable income tax rebate of up to $300 per person or $600 per working couple, additional write-offs for small businesses, critical federal grants to states for infrastructure and homeland security enhancements, and a one-year, one-time increase in the federal share of Medicaid payments to states.  I am troubled that the Administration’s plan does not contain assistance for states, especially given the mandates the government has placed upon them in the interest of homeland security.

  Jobs for individuals are far more important than dividend tax cuts for the wealthy, and an immediate, short-term stimulus like the Democrats have proposed is the right approach.  Ignoring the growing debt and returning to deficit spending will prevent our economy from growing, stall the creation of new jobs and place the burden of paying for our shortsightedness on the shoulders of our children and grandchildren.”

HOMELAND SECURITY

 “Rather than focusing on huge tax cuts, we need to put homeland security first.  Unfortunately, the Bush Administration has not followed through with the resources necessary to adequately fund this most important goal.  If we are to effectively protect our homeland security, we must ensure that those serving on the front lines - our first responders - have the equipment and training they need, and this will require the kind of investments Democrats have been calling for during the past year.  The funding made available to states and emergency personnel for homeland security efforts thus far is simply inadequate, and I hope the President will meet his commitment to these critical needs with federal resources instead of empty promises.”

EDUCATION

 “Last year, comprehensive education reform legislation was signed into law by the President.  That was but a first step in upholding our commitment to a world-class public education for all American children - there is much work yet to be done.  Unfortunately, the President's FY 2003 budget has shortchanged our students, making his promise to "leave no child behind" ring hollow.

 Our children are still attending school in classes that are overcrowded, in classrooms that need maintenance.  Meanwhile, more and more demands are made on our teachers, preventing them from pursuing professional development opportunities that could help them provide their students with a better understanding of complex topics.

 Education is the great equalizer in this country.  Regardless of economic situation, all children can succeed if they are provided a good quality education.  We must provide adequate resources for our schools, teachers and students, or millions of children will be left behind.”

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