Cicilline Hosts Neighborhood Dinner, Discusses Economy, Medicare

Congressman David Cicilline, Representative of Rhode Island's First Congressional District, held a question and answer session and neighborhood supper Tuesday, June 28. Topics of discussion included budget challenges, Medicare, and Social Security.

Cicilline stressed the importance of bolstering the economy in Rhode Island, saying one of his primary focuses are "getting Rhode Islanders back to work." For the freshman Congressman, this means a focus on manufacturing is necessary, arguing that if the United States is going to maintain its status as a world economic leader, "we have to make things again in this country."

"Rhode Island has an incredible history of manufacturing," he added. The representative described his strategy for increasing manufacturing as the, "make it in America agenda," with a focus on high tech manufacturing. Cicilline argued that, in order to incentivize this, trade and tax policies need to be adjusted and legislation to prevent Chinese manipulation of currency.

The conversation shifted to Medicare. "Medicare... reflects our values as a country," he said, and commented on Ryan's budget which he stated, if adopted, will "end" Medicare.

"There's no mincing words about it," he said.

The issue of Medicare is tied closely to a question of a growing budget and a deadline for action that is rapidly approaching regarding the U.S. debt ceiling. Cicilline described the importance of ending tax cuts for the richest of the rich and an end to the U.S. presence in Afghanistan where, by his estimates, the U.S. is spending 2 billion dollars weekly -- all on the "American taxpayer credit card." Cicilline stated he co-sponsored a bill to address this issue, the Afghanistan Exit and Accountability Act.

"These men and women have made unbelievable sacrifices," he said.

The night was not without conflict; a member of the audience confronted the Congressman about the deficit in Providence, which, he alleged, was exhorbitatantly high when Cicilline left office. Cicilline explained that the U.S. could not default on its loans. When confronted about the Ryan budget, he contended it would add to the budget because of unweildy tax cuts.

Cicilline wasn't the only politician at the dinner -- also in attendance were Bristol Town Councilmen Antonio Teixeira, Kenneth Marshall, and David Barboza, and Warren Town Councilwoman Catherine Tattrie.

Cicilline parted with a request: that those in need of representation contact his office. Contact information is available at cicilline.house.gov.