Statement of Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II on the Passage of the Republican Federal Budget in the House of Representatives

Statement of Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II on the Passage of the Republican Federal Budget in the House of Representatives
March 17, 2005

The following is a statement by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II regarding today's passage of the Republican federal budget in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation (H. Con Res 95) was approved by a vote of 218-214 and now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate.

"With the passage of today's Republican-crafted budget in the House of Representatives, Congress sent a message to middle-class of America: your priorities are not Congress' priorities. Not only does this fiscally irresponsible budget drive our country deeper into debt, but it does not reflect the values, priorities or needs of the American people.

"The legislation passed today slashes funds for a number of essential economic and community development programs that have helped communities across the Nation grow and flourish and improved the quality of life for millions of people. Community Development Block Grants, for example, have played a critical role in developing many areas of the Fifth Congressional District. Having served as a Mayor, I know first-hand the significant impact of programs like CDBG in America's cities, and I cannot in good conscience vote for a budget that will have such a devastating effect on my community.

"But the wholesale gutting of CDBG is only the beginning. The Republican budget passed today shortchanges veterans and military families, fails to invest in education for our children, hurts small businesses and inadequately funds homeland security needs, all the while driving America deeper into debt.

"When President Bush took office, he inherited a $5.6 trillion surplus. Today, we find ourselves with a soaring $427 billion federal deficit that shows no sign of slowing down. Yet Congress continues to reward the wealthiest Americans with tax breaks at the expense of the middle-class. I believe we must uphold our promise to advance our Nation's communities; to care for our seniors and veterans; to educate our children and to support America's working families. Unfortunately, today Congress fell short of our responsibility by passing this reckless federal budget."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/mo05_cleaver/PR17MAR05GOPBudget.html