(March 27, 2012 -- Washington, D.C) Speaking from the House floor, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today criticized a Republican budget that once again includes giveaways to Big Oil and that seeks to end Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies instead of strengthening the program for future generations of Nevadans. Video of Berkley's remarks can be viewed at www.youtube.com/shelleyberkley and a transcript of her speech appears below:
"This week Washington Republicans are showing Nevada families exactly who their priority is. Unfortunately, it's not Nevada's middle-class families.
"This week Republicans are reiterating their support for taxpayer giveaways for Big Oil despite the fact that gas prices are soaring and the oil industry made $137 billion in profits last year.
"Nevadans are hurting every time they go to the pump. The Republican's answer to higher gas prices is more government hand outs for Big Oil.
"This is the wrong priority.
"But wait, there's more.
"On Thursday, they will bring up the new but NOT improved Ryan Budget that once again kills Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies. The plan is bad. Instead of improving care for Nevada seniors, they would be forced to pay thousands more out-of-pocket for their healthcare.
"Nevada is suffering with the highest unemployment and foreclosure rate in the nation -- Republicans get your priorities straight.
"We must put Nevada's middle-class families and seniors first, not Big Oil and profit hungry insurance companies."
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