Gillibrand on Budget: Time to Get Serious About Cutting Wasteful Spending, But Still Protect Small Businesses, Security

Statement

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement today on the 2012 federal budget:

"We need to come together -- Democrats and Republicans -- to take a hard look at ways we can cut spending and lower the deficit. Current spending is not sustainable and we need to cut the waste, fraud and abuse. But the cuts must be responsible and preserve security funding and critical investments in small businesses and economic development.

"House Republicans' plan is irresponsible and would cut vital services for veterans, reduce the number of police on the streets and eliminate funds to help seniors heat their homes. We cannot cut critical funding for our national security or investments that help create jobs and grow our economy.

"While I don't agree with every aspect of his plan, the President's budget provides a good place to start the conversation. I don't think we should balance the budget on the backs of seniors who cannot afford the rising costs of heating their home. There are a number of additional proposals that I am advocating for that would reduce waste, fraud and abuse, and allow us to keep critical services, such as emergency heating assistance. In the coming weeks, I hope we have a respectful debate about how to solve our long term budget problems, and fund critical priorities like our security and job creation."

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