Van Hollen Statement on the President's Budget

Statement

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement on President Obama's budget proposal:

"The budget debate is not just about a set of numbers -- it represents our priorities and values. President Obama has put forward a budget that will boost the economy for all by raising the take-home pay of hard-working families -- especially those in the middle class and working to join the middle class. The President's budget accomplishes these goals in a fiscally responsible way that will reduce the ten-year deficit by about $2 trillion through a combination of targeted spending cuts and the elimination of many special interest tax breaks and loopholes.

"Building on the economic progress we have made, this proposal helps stretch the paychecks of working families, encourages higher wages, and sharpens our competitive edge in the 21st century global economy. It provides strategic funding for infrastructure, education, and scientific research that is vital to America's success. And it puts our country on a long-term sustainable fiscal path.

"We need to make sure that working families, and not just the wealthy and special interests, reap the rewards of our recovery. This budget moves us in the right direction. Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues have only offered an agenda that protects the top 1 percent at the expense of everyone else. It's time to focus on growing an economy that works for 100 percent of Americans."

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