Meeks: 'To Now Target Their Benefits is Unconscionable'

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks

Congressman Expresses Concern for Provision in Payroll Tax Extension Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6), Senior Member of the House Financial Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the Payroll Tax Extension Bill:

“I have long supported an extension of a year-long the payroll tax cut for American families, as well as the extension of vital unemployment insurance benefits.  I voted for this bill today because of the help these extensions will provide to 160 million Americans, but I am disappointed that the conference committee charged with the task of crafting this deal chose to pay for it by slashing federal employee benefits and targeting healthcare funds.

“Cutting taxes on one end, but targeting the benefits of middle class workers on the other, is counterproductive.  Federal employees have made great financial sacrifices during the past few years, including accepting pay freezes while suffering attrition at several agencies.  To now target their benefits is unconscionable.

“I am equally disturbed that the conference committee targeted the Prevention and Public Health Trust Fund, which was designed to help re-focus American healthcare services towards prevention, and not simply the treatment of ailments.  Preventive care can help prolong life and avoid costly future medical treatments.  To raid this fund is not only shortsighted from a scientific perspective; it is against our long-term fiscal health.”

White House Briefs

President Obama Speaks on the Payroll Tax Cut

President Obama said that extending the payroll tax cut is not a game for the millions of people who depend on that money to make ends meet.

BREAKING NEWS: 'The Mad Prophet' Speaks!

This is GNN: G-Man News Network

In 1976, the groundbreaking film "Network" was released. Now, 35 years later, the words spoken in this powerful scene by the film's central character Howard Beale, brilliantly played by Peter Finch, are more important and relevant than ever.

The scene is being posted by the GNN network as a wake up call for Americans, especially young people. It is also being showcased as an official, open challenge to every news organization, network owner and network executive: Get back to basics and end the madness before it's too late!

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, I give you......Howard Beale, "The Mad Prophet".


NOTE: Video has "mysteriously" been removed.