With more Americans facing poverty and household income on the decline, GOP leaders in Congress are blocking desperately needed funds that would help struggling families through tough economic times. Republicans have demanded brutal cuts in services, like meals for 36,000 frail seniors, billions of dollars to help the poorest school districts, and millions of dollars to help workers who lose their jobs in layoffs and plant closings.
Despite recent gloomy economic reports from the Census Bureau and the Department of Labor, President Bush and Republicans in Congress continue to play with funding for bills that provide relief to millions of seniors, children, and families who are suffering in these difficult economic times.
The Census Bureau recently reported the number of Americans living in poverty went up 1.3 million to 32.9 million in 2001, the first increase in eight years. The report also showed that household income is on the decline. In August, the Department of Labor reported that 8.1 million Americans are unemployed, up from 5.9 million when President Bush took office in January 2001.
Congressional Republicans are demanding severe cuts amounting to $1.4 billion in the budget for the Department of Health and Human Services. The cuts proposed by Republicans will seriously undermine critical programs that many seniors, children, and working families depend.
Seniors, children, and victims of corporate downsizing are their targets. You CAN make a difference. It's time to take our country back. Today.
Vote.