Durbin To Senate Republicans: American Families Plan Is Not 'Radical Socialism'
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today slammed Senate Republicans’ argument that President Joe Biden’s American Families Plan is ‘radical socialism.’ Durbin argued that providing safe, affordable, quality child care is not ‘radical socialism’ and offering two years of free community college is not ‘radical socialism,’ like many Senate Republicans are suggesting. President Biden’s American Families Plan would make education more affordable and provide economic security to families. It would provide universal access to high-quality, free Pre-K for three and four year olds; make two years of community college free for all Americans; ensure no one earning under 150 percent of state median income has to pay more than seven percent of their income on high-quality care for children under five; and provide comprehensive paid family and medical leave, among other issues.
“… Raising a family for many is a struggle. They have to work to bring money home, and they want to have the peace of mind when they go to work that their kids are safe. That’s not a ‘radical’ suggestion, and the solution isn’t ‘socialism.’ The solution is just caring—whether you care about it. President Joe Biden does,” Durbin said.
Durbin concluded, “It’s not ‘socialism’ that the government gives a helping hand. We’ve done that since the 1950’s when it comes to college loans. We do that today when it comes to helping school districts across this nation. Not ‘radical,’ not ‘socialism,’ just common sense. So they [Senate Republicans] can make the speeches all they wish, but that is the reality.”
Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
-30-
Previous Article Next Article