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Deficit
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minute is simply unacceptable, and the voters know it.”
Along with Rep. Slaughter, Mr. Smith singled out the Medicare changes for particular criticism. “It is wrong to ask the elderly to pay a disproportionate burden of balancing the federal deficit. These people have worked all of their lives, paid their taxes, and ask for little in return. What kind of a statement is that, to change the rules after they have retired? We can do better.
“It is unconscionable that 33 million elderly and disabled persons would be subject to the largest cut of all,” he added.
Mr. Smith also had harsh words for the gas tax increase, calling it yet another gouging of consumers —this time by the U.S. Congress. “I do not think it is fair to ask the American consumer to pay another 12 cents a gallon for gasoline to drive to work when the oil companies are going to be given $4 billion in tax credits for increased production.
“This is business as usual in Washington,” Mr. Smith added. “Instead of addressing the critical need for a national energy policy, Congress has instead ignored consumers and cut a deal with the oil companies.”
Both candidates also criticized the spectre of Federal workers facing layoffs if the compromise had not been reached. “You either vote for a package that is seriously flawed, or watch one million federal employees line up at the unemployment offices,” Mr. Smith said. “Is that the best that the leadership in Washington can do?”
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