I am worried that even though I've addressed the stated reason, we will still not see movement on the CARE Act, because of the unspoken reasons.
Mr. President, I can only guess these reasons, but some are whispered in the hallways.
It's been discussed widely in the media that many people "hate" President Bush. I fear that this hatred is being translated into stopping the President's signature initiative of strengthening our charitable arena.
The sad thing is that the zeal to keep the President from having a "win" will mean as well noted by the minority leader "fewer meals for the hungry. Fewer beds for the homeless. Fewer safe havens for battered wives and children." I think this most unfortunate. When I questioned President Clinton's AmeriCorps program I did not seek to end it, I sought to reform it. I thought that President Clinton had a right to a small program for which he had campaigned so aggressively. President Bush deserves the same courtesy of allowing these tax incentives for charitable giving to go through.
I'm also concerned that overlooked is that the CARE Act contains many other provisions that members are stopping. Let us not forget that the CARE Act is paid for with the most sweeping efforts to stop tax shelters in a generation. Those who stop the CARE Act are certainly being cheered by the hucksters selling tax shelters.
In addition, the CARE Act also now includes legislation that will provide tax relief for our military as well as low-income families with children. I've never seen such hand-wringing in this chamber as has been the case regarding the need to pass military tax relief and the expanded child credit for low-income families. Now that we have a chance to have these matters go to conference on a bill that has a real chance of becoming law, we are stopped by the minority leadership.
I'm worried that what is desired by some is an issue ? not a solution to the child credit for low-income families and tax relief for military personnel.
Mr. President, let me close by saying I've addressed the other side's stated concerns. I've given my personal commitment that they will be meaningful participants in the conference of the CARE Act. If that is their only reason, then I have put that to rest. If they continue to object, I fear it is for a small reason, a petty reason, a reason that puts partisanship before the welfare of those most in need. If that is the case I can only state that I am saddened and certainly disappointed by the other side.
Mr. President, I ask for unanimous consent that the Senate call up H.R. 7, strike all after the enacting clause and insert the text of the Senate-passed bill S. 476, that the bill be read a third time and that the Senate request a conference with the House and that the chair be allowed to appoint conferees on H.R. 7 and proceed to conference with the House.