Rep. Johnson speaks out for jobs during Out of Poverty Caucus floor speech

‘Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and the working poor in America did not cause the so-called debt crisis’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) joined Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and spoke out today as part of the Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus on the Importance of Protecting Vital Social Services:

“Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and the working poor in America did not cause the debt crisis,” said Rep. Johnson.

“The record debt run up by the Bush Administration was a direct result of Republican’s two unfunded wars, failed economic policies and failed oversight of the financial services sector.

“What we need to do is support more grant programs like the Recovery Act’s “Pathways Out of Poverty” funds that put residents in my district back work in green jobs.

“Now is the time Congress needs to be doing all it can to help families get back on their feet, not pull the rug out from under them.

“The Cut, Cap and end Medicare Act that the majority passed will not get America on the road to prosperity.

“Rather than closing corporate loopholes and asking millionaires, billionaires and Big Oil to pay their fair share, the majority wants to cut Medicaid, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and foster care for abused and neglected children.

“Americans want to work. Let’s focus on getting Americans what they need – jobs!”

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