mr. speaker , i yield myself the balance of my time . 
mr. speaker , this country is at a critical crossroads in terms of deciding what it stands for , what its priorities are . 
our priorities should be to make decisions based on shared sacrifice and a long-term view that seeks to fight for the least powerful among us . 
unfortunately , this rule would allow legislation with a shortsighted approach to come to the floor . 
all of us , democrats and republicans , hope that medical science will provide the breakthrough to provide relief from a disease which will ease a family member 's suffering . 
we all worry about whether rising energy costs will force seniors to make life-and-death decisions about where to spend their limited resources . 
and yet this conference report ignores those very needs . 
it narrowly restricts the future of all americans so that a very few might have a bit more of a tax break . 
that is an approach that i hope all members will reject . 
mr. speaker , i yield back the balance of my time . 
