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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Q2, 2013

Dickens' Stability and Freedom Act Proposes National Strategy for Syria

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Senator Dickens proposed the Stability and Freedom for Syria Act to address the crisis in the Middle East. He spoke to the press after submitting the bill in the Senate Hopper. 

"Events in Syria have escalated out of control and demand immediate action. The use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime against its own citizens violates every principle of international law. Only a barbarian would dare do such a thing in the 21st Century. This type of illegal and reckless evil will only further destabilize the Middle East and jeopardize our national security. It is the moral obligation of every nation to stand up against this sort of craven, prehistoric aggression against innocent women and childrne. While American military power may not yet be needed, it is imperative that we get all relevant agencies and departments working in tandem and on the same page with a coordinated strategy. If we wish to keep our troops out of harm's way and prevent the situation from devolving further, we need bold action now.

That is why I proposed the Stability and Freedom for Syria Act today in Congress. This bill represents a three pronged approach to the present crisis. The goals are straightforward: isolate and shove the Assad regime down the slope towards its demise, facilitate the emergence of a free and unified Syrian government, and stabilize the region by securing it from terror and starvation.

To do this, we will first an independent umbrella entity, the Agency for Syrian Opposition and Freedom Fund (ASOFF),  to coordinate programs and funding in the Departments of Defense and State, the FBI, and the CIA. All department and agency heads as well as congressional leadership will have a seat at the table coordinating the distribution of funds and initiatives. The mission of ASOFF is clear: 'financing and/or arming the Syrian Opposition Coalition and the Free Syrian Army, humanitarian and diplomatic endeavors, preventing recruitment of American citizens by the Assad regime or terrorist entities, and other lawful endeavors for the purpose of facilitating the fall of the Assad regime, the creation of a free and democratic Syrian state, and stabilization of Syria and immediate neighboring countries.'

Congress and the Gang of Eight will have direct oversight over what happens with ASOFF. And it will fall on them to determine if the fund deserves renewing in two years. ASOFF ultimately will synchronize and energize the efforts of the United States to end the Syrian Civil War, turn the chapter on Assad, stabilize the region, and give the Syrian people a fresh start in a democratic society. Along with ASOFF, we will be enacting Senators Blumenthal and Casey's legislation providing additional authorizations to the President for military training and supplies and establishing a new set of sanctions on the Assad regime.

We have seen the price of delay in the videos of dead children coming from Tal Riffat.  The Stability and Freedom Act is the right plan to restore stability. It is the right plan to end tyranny. It is the right plan to give the Syrian people back their country. And it is the right plan to make sure our troops do not have to ever see a second of combat."

Mr. DICKENS proposes for himself and others, with thanks to Mr. BLUMENTHAL and Mr. CASEY

A Bill

To facilitate the demise of the Assad Regime in Syria and a stable transition to a free and democratic society for the Syrian people

Section 1: Short Title

This Act may be cited as the "Stability and Freedom for Syria Act"

TITLE I: SYRIA DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION

In General — The Syria Democratic Transition Act is hereby enacted. 

TITLE II: SYRIA SANCTIONS ENHANCEMENT

In General — The Syria Sanctions Enhancement Act is hereby enacted. 

TITLE III: AGENCY FOR SYRIAN OPPOSITION AND FREEDOM FUND

Quote

 

Subtitle A - Creation of Syrian Opposition and Freedom Fund (ASOFF)

Section 3001: Establishment of ASOFF

In General - There is hereby established an independent agency, the Agency for Syrian Opposition and Freedom Fund for the purpose of financing and/or arming the Syrian Opposition Coalition and the Free Syrian Army, humanitarian and diplomatic endeavors, preventing recruitment of American citizens by the Assad regime or terrorist entities, and other lawful endeavors for the purpose of facilitating the fall of the Assad regime, the creation of a free and democratic Syrian state, and stabilization of Syria and immediate neighboring countries.

Section 3002: ASOFF Leadership Council
In General - An ASOFF Leadership Council is hereby established to oversee the function and strategy of ASOFF, distribution of funds, and compliance with congressional oversight and the laws of the United States.

(1) The ASOFF Leadership Council will consist of the following members:

(a) Commissioner of ASOFF, appointed by the President of the United States upon passage of this Act;

(b) Secretary of State;

(c) Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation;

(d) Director of the Central Intelligence Agency;

(e) The Secretary of Defense;

(f) Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; and

(g) Chair of the House Foreign Relations Committee;

(2) The Commissioner of the ASOFF will serve as the head of the ASOFF. 

(3) The ASOFF Leadership Council will be responsible for determining and executing the most effective distribution of funds for the purpose of fulfilling this act. ASOFF Leadership Council members are authorized to establish initiatives within their respective agency or department with funding from the ASOFF provided it:

(A) adheres to the purpose of ASOFF as specified in this Section;

(B) follows the laws and treaties of the United States; and

(C) receives approval of all members of the ASOFF Leadership Council. 

Subtitle B - Congressional Oversight

In General - The following oversight by Congress will be required:

(b) ASOFF shall submit annual reports to Congress, detailing the recipients, initiatives, performance, outcomes, and all other relevant information concerning ASOFF.

(b) The Gang of Eight in Congress must be notified within 24 hours of any operation conducted by the Department of Defense or Central Intelligence Agency utilizing funds from ASOFF. 

Subtitle C - Funding and Enactment

Section 3201: Appropriations

(a) ASOFF will be appropriated the following the amount 

(1) 2013 — $2,500,000,000;

(2) 2014 — $5,000,000,000; and

(3) 2015 — $5,000,000,000;

Section 3202: Severability

In General — If any provision of this Act or its application to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of the Act or the application of the provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected.

Section 3203: Repeal of Conflicting Laws

All laws or parts of laws in conflict with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed.

Section 3204. Authorization for Regulations

The ASOFF is authorized to promulgate regulations and guidelines necessary for the implementation of this Act.

Section 3205. Sunset

This Act will expire on December 31, 2015, though may be extended by an Act of Congress.

 

PES:

Title I: Summary

Title II: Summary

Title III: Establishes Agency for Syrian Opposition and Freedom Fund for the purpose of coordinating the United States response to the Syrian Civil War. Agency provided with budgets of $2.5B, $5B, and $5B in 2013, 2014, and 2015 for the purposes of "financing and/or arming the Syrian Opposition Coalition and the Free Syrian Army, humanitarian and diplomatic endeavors, preventing recruitment of American citizens by the Assad regime or terrorist entities, and other lawful endeavors for the purpose of facilitating the fall of the Assad regime, the creation of a free and democratic Syrian state, and stabilization of Syria and immediate neighboring countries." Establishes a Leadership Council consisting of the Sec of State, Sec of Defense, FBI and CIA Directors, Chairs of the House and Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and a Commissioner appointed by the President to oversee distribution of funds and initiatives. Authorizes Council members and relevant agencies to create and establish new programs and regulations provided unanimous approval by the Leadership Council. Sunset provision on December 31, 2015. Requires reporting to Congress. 

Nay

Aye

Aye

Aye

Nay

NAY

AYE

Name: Clint Dickens, (DFL-MN)
Media/Outlet: CNN
Topic: SCOTUS Nomination of Judge Meg Ryan

• "Look, let's be real here. We're not picking a kickball team. We're looking for a successor to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Herculean legal mind who was nominated to the court after decades of prior service. No offense to Judge Ryan, but she has only served six years in a military court. What little we know about her views on the US Code is beyond concerning. The rest is largely a mystery, completely undefined, a massive question mark due to the fact she rarely if ever ruled on cases prescient to the Supreme Court."
• "Here's what's really alarming: Republicans and Democrats both are looking at the same record, or lack thereof, with Judge Ryan. Both sides are looking at Judge Ryan and the mountain of unanswered questions. And even before hearings began, Republicans are saying they're voting aye on her. Senators Cole and Mulligan already on record pledging their support before Judge Ryan has answered a single damn question. Why is that? Why are Republicans so eagerly embracing a nominee who has spent less time in a courtroom than a sixth grader in elementary school?" 
• "Unlike Republicans, my colleagues and I are going to give Judge Ryan a fair hearing. We are going to ask her questions and get to the bottom of what she thinks, believes, and knows. The floor will be hers. Judge Ryan can take as much time as she needs during these hearings to fill out all the blank pages of her legal philosophy and views. We want to know what she thinks. And I personally want to know why Republicans are so excited about a judge whose entire resume as a jurist revolves around the Uniform Code of Military Conduct. The American people deserve answers to these questions before we consider whether or not to confirm Judge Ryan." 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Q2, 2013

Dickens on Ryan Nomination

WASHINGTON D.C. —  Today, Senator Clint Dickens spoke to the press concerning the Diaz nomination of Judge Meg Ryan to the Supreme Court. Senator Dickens expressed his concern with Republicans rushing to back a nominee with virtually no legal record outside of a military courtroom before hearings have even started. He also emphasized his commitment to fair hearings and need to get answers from Judge Ryan.

“Let’s be clear who we are replacing. This is the late, great Ruth Bader Ginsburg we are talking about. Set aside for a moment her being a cornerstone of the progressive bloc. Justice Ginsburg was a legal giant with decades of unimpeachable experience and achievement prior to being nominated by President Clinton in 1993. You don’t replace her by picking any random judge off a bench. This is more than just filling a vacancy. This is about carrying on a tradition of unparalleled excellence. 

That is why I and so many of my colleagues have reservations about the nomination of Judge Margaret Ryan. She’s only been a judge for six years with no experience outside of a military courtroom. In those sex years, there are very cases she oversaw pertinent to the challenges of being a Supreme Court justice. The US Code and the Uniform Code of Military Justice are two very different things. And the few instances where she did cover the same sort of ground as the highest court produced concerning results, to say the least. My colleague, Senate Majority Leader Starnes, laid out a myriad of issues that could pose problems with her competency and preparation for the post of Supreme Court Justice.

That is why my colleagues and I are withholding judgment until the end of these hearings. And the fact Republicans are already pledging to vote aye on a nominee with little to no public record on legal matters beyond the UCMJ is alarming. We aren’t just filling a seat. It’s our job to carry on one of the most essential legacies and fill some of the largest shoes ever on the Supreme Court. We take that job seriously. And we will reach the conclusion we deem best for the Judicial branch and the American people.”
 

Aye

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Q2, 2013

Dickens and Abbott: Clean Up Washington with Bipartisan ETHICS Act

WASHINGTON D.C. —  Today, Senator Clint Dickens and Senate Minority Leader Katherine Abbott proposed the Ethical Treatment in Hiring Implemention for Care and Safety (ETHICS) Act, a bill that will crack on corruption in Washington D.C. The bill will prohibit congressional insider trading by either requiring all lawmakers either report all financial transactions to their respective legislative body's clerk or place their assets in a blind trust. It will crack down on the revolving door of lobbyists and politicians on K-Street, requiring politicians to wait eight years and lobbyists ten years before swapping professions. Finally, it will require all Senate and House offices to provide in-house HR services to employees with oversight from the Ethics committees. Senator Dickens spoke to the press after proposing the bill.

"It isn't everyday you see Kathy Abbott and I on the same side of an issue. But one thing we absolutely agree on is that politicians should not enrich themselves off public service. Make every politician play by the same rules as everyone else. No more insider trading, no more jumping back and forth between lobbying and lawmaking, and no more unaccountable behavior in the workplace. The ETHICS Act represents a bipartisan blow against the entrenched interests in our nation's Capitol. It is an unmistakable rebuke of the powerful and elites. And it will hold every last scumbag in this town to count for their abuses of power." 

Ms. ABBOTT and Mr. DICKENS proposes for themselves and others, with thanks to Mr. DUFFY, Mr. GARDNER, and Mr. BENNET

A Bill

To reduce the national deficit, stabilize the funding of the social safety net, and provide tax relief for working and middle class families

SECTION 2. REQUIREMENT TO USE BLIND TRUST OR FILE REPORTS.

The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by inserting after section 101 the following new section:

Quote

 

Section 101A. Individuals required to establish a blind trust or file reports

(a) Requirement

Individuals described in section 101(f) shall—

(1)place all of such individual’s stocks, bonds, commodities futures, and other forms of securities, including securities held jointly with such individual’s spouse or dependent child, in a qualified blind trust (as defined under section 102(f)(3)); or

(2)file a report with the appropriate office under section 103 that contains a brief description, the date, and category of value of any purchase, sale, or exchange in stocks, bonds, commodities futures, and other forms of securities, including securities jointly held with such individual’s spouse or dependent child, not later than 3 business days after such purchase, sale, or exchange is settled.

(b) Exemption

Subsection (a) shall not apply to the financial interests or benefits described under section 102(i).

(c) Failure To comply

(1) Civil Penalty

The Attorney General may bring a civil action in any appropriate United States district court against any individual subject to subsection (a) who knowingly and willfully falsifies or who knowingly and willfully fails to file a report under subsection (a)(2) if such individual does not place such individual’s securities in a qualified blind trust under subsection (a)(1). The court in which such action is brought may assess against such individual a civil penalty in any amount, not to exceed $50,000.

(2) Criminal Penalty

(A) It shall be unlawful for any individual subject to subsection (a) to knowingly and willingly falsify any information that such individual is required to report under subsection (a)(2) or to knowingly and willfully fail to file a report under subsection (a)(2) if such individual does not place such individual’s securities in a qualified blind trust under subsection (a)(1).

(B) Any individual subject to subsection (a) who violates subparagraph (A) shall be fined under title 18, United States Code.

 

SECTION 2. RESTRICTIONS ON LAWMAKING TO LOBBYING.

(a) In General.—Section 207(e)(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

Quote

“(1) MEMBERS OF CONGRESS & THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH. All former senators, members of the House of Representatives, and cabinet level officers who knowingly make, with the intent to influence, any communication to or appearance before any Member, officer, or employee of either House of Congress or any employee of any other legislative office of the Congress, on behalf of any other person (except the United States) in connection with any matter on which such former Senator, Member, or elected official seeks action by a Member, officer, or employee of either House of Congress, in his or her official capacity, within eight years of having last served in the legislative or executive branch, shall be punished as provided in section 216 of this title.”.

“(2) REGISTERED LOBBYISTS. All former registered lobbyists as defined under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act of 1946 are prohibited from serving in the legislative or executive branch until ten years have elapsed since termination of registration as a lobbyist. Violations shall be punished as provided in Section 216 of this title.".

SECTION 3. MANDATORY HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES FOR CONGRESS

(a) Establishment of In-House Human Resources Departments

(1) Each Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the United States Senate shall establish and maintain an in-house Human Resources Department within their respective congressional office.

(2) The Human Resources Department established under subsection (a) shall be responsible for overseeing all employment-related matters, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, and compliance with federal and state labor laws.

(b) Human Resources Department Director

(1) Each Human Resources Department established under Section 1 shall be led by a Human Resources Department Director.

(2) The Human Resources Department Director shall be a qualified individual with demonstrated expertise in human resources management.

(3) The appointment of the Human Resources Department Director for each congressional office shall be subject to the approval and vetting process by the Ethics Committee of the respective legislative body, namely the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee for the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives Ethics Committee for the House of Representatives.

(4) The Ethics Committee shall evaluate the qualifications, experience, and ethical standing of the nominated Human Resources Department Director to ensure their fitness for the position.

(c) Funding

(1) To support the establishment and operation of in-house Human Resources Departments in congressional offices, the following funding provisions are established:

(A) Each office of a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives shall receive an annual allocation of $250,000, adjusted annually for inflation.

(B) Each office of a Member of the United States Senate shall receive an annual allocation of $400,000, adjusted annually for inflation.

(2) The allocated funds in subsection (a) shall be used exclusively to fulfill the requirements of this Act, including but not limited to salary and benefits for the Human Resources Department Director, staff salaries, training, and the implementation of best practices in human resources management.

(3) The allocation of funds under this section shall be subject to periodic review and oversight by the relevant legislative body's Appropriations Committee to ensure proper and transparent utilization.

(d) Reporting and Compliance

(1) Congressional offices shall provide annual reports to the Ethics Committee of their respective legislative body, detailing the activities and performance of their in-house Human Resources Department.

(2) The Ethics Committees shall monitor compliance with the provisions of this Act and may conduct periodic audits or investigations as needed.

Quote

 

PES:

-Prevents congressional insider trading by requiring all sitting members of the House and Senate either turn their assets over to a blind trust or report all financial transactions to the clerk.

-Requires all former lawmakers to wait eight years before becoming paid lobbyists, with criminal penalties for violations. Requires all lobbyists to wait 10 years before running for federal office.

- Requires all House and Senate offices establishing in-house HR Departments with an HR Officer. Provides $400k for Senate offices, $250k for House. Oversight provided by the House and Senate Ethics committees. 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Q2, 2013

Dickens' Proposes CTC Expansion Amendment

WASHINGTON D.C. —  Today, Senator Clint Dickens motioned to amend the Corporate Fairness Act by adding an expansion of the Child Tax Credit to the bill. The motion is now up for a vote thanks to a second by Senator Murphy. After casting his aye vote in favor of his amendment, Senator Dickens spoke to the press.

"As a progressive and a Democrat, I believe it is our duty to care for one another and invest in our youth. And as both a proud Christian and a guy who believes in results, I know that there is no better agency or institution than the American family at achieving that. That is why I set forward a motion on the Senate floor to amend the Corporate Fairness Act by adding an expansion of the Child Tax Credit. Every working and middle class family will get an additional $1,000 to $1,500 every year per child to help raise their family. That's real money. The average family of four saving up to $3,000 more per year. That's enough to cover the cost of feeding a child, can help with paying other utilities, guaranteeing that no son or daughter of America grows up in poverty. And most important of all, we trust parents and families instead of bureaucrats. All that matters to me is making sure no child of God in the United States gets shafted because someone in Washington would rather do a nine figure financial favor for some hedge or trust fund brat on Wall Street. Invest in families, invest in the future, that is what this amendment is all about. Let's help real, everyday Americans for once. That is what my amendment will do."

Name: Clint Dickens

Media/Outlet: CNN

Reason: Dickens I Amendment to Corporate Fairness Act

• "The single greatest anti-poverty program of all-time is the family. I once thought this was something both Republicans and Democrats could all agree on. But apparently not anymore. The very first move by the new Republican Senate Leader Kathy Abbott of Texas was to oppose an expansion of the Child Tax Credit for working and middle income families. $1,000 to $1,500 more money per child, a true family centered tax cut. Now, she's voting present to save face, but still vocally opposing the assistance."
• "This really is a revelatory moment for millions of Americans in understanding what each party thinks and believes. The lies, greed, and corruption of this Administration and their congressional allies are on full display. First, they sent the clear signal to Wall Street that no crime, great or small, will ever be investigated as long as it has seven figures or more written on it. And now, they're giving working families the middle finger by telling them their needs are worthy of little more than discussion than action."
• "As a proud Democrat, I believe in fighting poverty and uplifting those in our society struggling with low-incomes and high costs. And as an American and a Christian, I also know that no government program will ever supplant or replace the love and support of a mother or father. That is why it is imperative we focus our efforts and public resources on supporting families. And my amendment to the corporate tax reform bill does just that. Put the money where the results and moral fabric lie: the family unit."

53 minutes ago, Hannah said:

Mister President, I move for cloture.

 

I yield.

Mr. President,

I second the motion by my friend and colleague, the gentlelady from Colorado.

I yield. 

Aye

Mr. President, I motion to amend by adding the following.

Quote

 

SECTION XX. CHILD TAX CREDIT EXPANSION

(a) In General: Subsection (a) of Section 24 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows:

Sec. 24. Child Tax Credit

(a) Allowance of Credit. In the case of an eligible individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for the taxable year with respect to each qualifying child of the taxpayer an amount equal to:

(1) $2,500 for each qualifying child who has not attained the age of 6 years as of the close of the taxable year; and

(2) $2,000 for each qualifying child who has attained the age of 6 years but has not attained the age of 18 years as of the close of the taxable year.

(b) Definitions: Subsection (c) of Section 24 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows:

(c) Definitions. For purposes of this section:

(1) Eligible Individual: The term "eligible individual" means any individual who is not a nonresident alien individual and who is a taxpayer for the taxable year.

(2) Qualifying Child: The term "qualifying child" has the meaning given to such term under Section 152 of this Code, except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4).

(3) Advance Payments: The term "advance payments" means the periodic payments made to eligible individuals in accordance with Section 24(d).

(4) Secretary: The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary's delegate.

(5) Phaseout Thresholds: The term "phaseout thresholds" means the income thresholds described in Section 24(e).

(6) Child Tax Credit: The term "Child Tax Credit" means the credit allowed by this section.
(c) Advance Payments: Section 24 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is further amended by adding the following subsection:

(d) Advance Payments. 

(1) In General. In the case of an eligible individual, the Secretary shall make periodic advance payments of the Child Tax Credit, as determined by the Secretary in accordance with this subsection.

(2) Frequency. The Secretary shall make advance payments on a monthly basis, beginning in the month of July of each taxable year, and continuing until the close of the taxable year.

(3) Amount. The amount of each advance payment shall be equal to one-twelfth of the Child Tax Credit to which the eligible individual is entitled for the taxable year, as determined under subsection (a), based on the information available to the Secretary.

(4) Information. To determine the amount of advance payments, the Secretary may utilize the information provided by the eligible individual's most recently filed tax return or other available information.

(5) Option to Decline Advance Payments. An eligible individual may elect to decline advance payments of the Child Tax Credit for the taxable year.

(6) Regulations. The Secretary may promulgate regulations to carry out this subsection.

(7) No Liability for Repayment. An eligible individual shall not be liable for any amount of advance payments in excess of the Child Tax Credit to which the individual is entitled for the taxable year, except in cases of fraud or negligence.

(8) Reconciliation. At the close of the taxable year, the eligible individual shall reconcile the advance payments received with the Child Tax Credit to which the individual is entitled, and any excess amount shall be repaid by the individual as determined by the Secretary.

(d) Phaseout Thresholds: Section 24 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is further amended by adding the following subsection:

(e) Phaseout Thresholds.

(1) In General. The amount of the Child Tax Credit to which an eligible individual is entitled for the taxable year, as determined under subsection (a), shall be reduced (but not below zero) by $50 for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) by which the modified adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for such taxable year exceeds the following applicable thresholds:

(A) For a married individual filing a joint return: $150,000.
(B) For a head of household: $112,500.
(C) For all other individuals: $75,000.

 

I yield

Name: Clint Dickens

Media/Outlet: MSNBC

Reason: Talking deficit reduction, promoting the SAFE Act

• "President Diaz and crew are demanding we use struggling working families as kindling on the altar of deficit reduction. 'Only spending cuts' they say while refusing to entertain the notion that maybe, just maybe, those who are earning eight, nine, or ten figure incomes should contribute a little more. After all, it was these Wall Street bankers and CEOs who took in the benefits of more than $700 billion in taxpayer funded bailouts."
• "This 'spending cuts only' demand from the President is nothing more than the latest a long pattern of picking the corrupt and powerful in Washington over regular working class Americans. If the first 100 days of this administration have taught us anything, it is that Diaz and his minions are nothing more than uninspired toadies for the corrupt and powerful. From refusing to heed the overwhelming demands of both parties to appoint a special counsel to prosecute the Wall Street crooks to now this assault on vital social programs for the working and poor, this President's philosophy of governance is nothing better than cocktail conservatism."
• "What is the best way to restore fiscal discipline and a flourishing economy? Let's look to our past. My Securing America's Finances and Economy Act follows the model set by Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Clinton. Balance the budget by investing in working and middle income households while making sure the wealthiest pay their fair share into the system. The SAFE Act does just that. Every honest, blue-collar, everyday family will receive up to $1,500 more in tax relief per child every year. The Social Security Trust Fund will be replenished without raising taxes on real Americans. And we will responsibly and immediately bring down the deficit down by 25%."
• "The system has been rigged and the debate off kilter for far too long on the economy and deficit reduction. That ends now. The SAFE Act is the truly American way to solve our present crisis. And it is a clear rebuke of this Administration's culture of greed and corruption."

Aye