Sessions Statement on President Bush's FY 2009 Budget
Statement
Sessions Statement on President Bush's FY 2009 Budget
U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-Dallas) released the following statement in response to President Bush's fiscal year 2009 budget proposal submitted to Congress this morning:
"The President's fiscal year 2009 budget proposal provides Congress with a starting point for developing a workable fiscal roadmap to fund our nation's priorities and encourage economic growth.
"I am pleased that the President's budget proposal recognizes that tax relief is the best cure for an economic slowdown. In addition to advancing business expensing and health care deductions, the 2001 and 2003 tax relief for workers, small businesses and families must be made permanent to promote economic certainty, business investment, and job creation. The cost of Democrats' inaction on tax relief is clear: 116 million taxpayers would pay on average an additional $1,800 in taxes in 2010.
"In addition to economic growth, a balanced budget will require a renewed commitment to eliminating wasteful spending, including earmark reform. The President's proposal to eliminate 151 wasteful programs and cut earmarks in half are good first steps. However, Congress must build on these efforts, trimming down the $3.1 trillion budget request and implementing effective earmark reform to reflect the smaller, more efficient government that taxpayers deserve.
"Most notably, entitlement spending remains the greatest threat to a balanced budget, now accounting for well over 50 percent of our nation's budget. I continue to support the President's plan to reform and strengthen Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid to ensure their viability for future generations.
"Now the Democrat Majority is faced with a budget choice: fiscally-responsible, accountable government or wasteful Washington politics as usual. If last year's congressional budget is any clue, Democrats will present a fiscally-irresponsible plan calling for the largest tax increase in American history, vastly expanding the size of government, and ignoring the looming entitlement spending crisis. The American people deserve better."
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