WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Robert C. Scott (D-Va.) will deliver the weekly CBC "Message to America" radio address this Saturday, November 26, 2005. Representative Scott will detail how the Republican so-called "deficit reduction plan" will cut vital programs that are needed to assist Hurricanes Katrina and Rita survivors.

The CBC "Message to America" is distributed nationwide to the American Urban Radio Network's (AURN) affiliate stations.

Representative Scott is expected to deliver the following remarks:


"This is Congressman Bobby Scott from the 3rd Congressional District of Virginia, speaking to you today on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus.

"Today's subject is the Republican so-called "deficit reduction plan." Instead of reducing the deficit, this plan actually increases the deficit. The plan cuts federal spending by about $50 billion dollars and also cuts taxes by nearly $70 billion dollars, resulting in a net increase in the deficit of $20 billion dollars.

"The spending cuts affect some of the most important programs in the federal government, such as Medicaid, food stamps, child support enforcement, child care, foster care and college student financial aid.

"The supporters of the plan are saying that these spending cuts are needed to accommodate a financial emergency brought on by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, but the fact is the programs which are being cut are the very same ones most needed to assist hurricane victims.

"So, cuts in vital programs will hurt hurricane victims and others in need, and these cuts are especially egregious when they are part of a plan that includes tax cuts for the wealthy. For example, two tax cuts that go into effect next year, involving the personal exemption and the standard deduction, will in the future cost $20 billion a year and 97 percent of that will go to people with annual incomes over $200,000.

"The Republican so-called deficit reduction plan is not the right vision for America. We can do better. We can avoid these spending cuts and provide assistance to hurricane victims, simply by delaying the tax cuts for the wealthy until we can afford them.

"The CBC's budgetary priorities focus on uplifting the least of our society. In addition, the CBC has a comprehensive bill to assist hurricane survivors and to rebuild the Gulf Coast region. We also need to remove any barriers that would prevent families from receiving the basic services they need to put their lives back together.

"The American dream is achieved by providing opportunities for all, not by cutting taxes for the wealthy, while cutting services for those in need.

"I'm Congressman Bobby Scott and I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak to you on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus."