Van Hollen Statement on CBO's Updated Budget and Economic Outlook

Statement

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement on the updated Budget and Economic Outlook from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO):

"Today's update underscores that we've made important progress on rebuilding our economy and reducing our deficit, but we have more work to do on both fronts. Families in Maryland and across the country are working harder than ever but feel like they're stuck in place or falling behind. That's why I'm fighting for an economy that works for all Americans and a budget that makes the necessary investments in education and the competitiveness of our country.

"Instead, Washington Republicans insist on governing by crisis. Senator Cruz is threatening to shut down the government in an effort to defund Planned Parenthood -- an organization that provides health care to millions of women, men, and young people around the country. The last time Senator Cruz recklessly shut down the government over the Affordable Care Act, Standard and Poor's estimated it cost the economy $24 billion. I will fight this effort at every turn.

"American families deserve better -- but all the GOP has offered is windfall tax breaks to the very wealthy and reckless political posturing that threatens the economic progress we've made. Serious negotiations to craft a workable budget framework are long overdue if we're going to avoid another government shutdown. It's time for Republicans to put aside partisanship and focus on the real concerns of our nation."

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