Van Hollen Statement on Passage of the Budget

Statement

Van Hollen Statement on Passage of the Budget

Today, Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Assistant to the Speaker, issued the following statement on House passage of the FY10 Budget:

"Today we passed a budget about big ideas, not the same old failed policies that left us in our current economic mess. The House plan includes a significant tax cut for middle class families, investments that will create jobs and turn our economy around, and fiscally responsible steps to cut our inherited deficit by two-thirds and guard against waste, fraud and abuse.

"Our budget puts more money in the pockets of Americans - $1.5 trillion more, through tax relief. Our plan ensures that 98 percent of small businesses, the backbone of our economy, will see a tax cut or flat rates. We also continue the Recovery Plan's Making Work Pay Tax Cut, which is already giving money back to 95 percent of Americans.

"We have started the process of economic recovery, but we will not be able to sustain economic growth without strategic investments in our country. By reducing astronomical health care costs, investing in clean energy and research, and preparing our students for 21st century jobs, we will build a strong foundation for our economy. But we cannot have long-term sustainability without a reduction in the deficit. That is why our budget cuts the deficit by two-thirds.

"This budget represents the new ideas that the American people overwhelmingly voted for in November, and it will strengthen our economy and our nation."

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