Van Hollen Statement on CBO's Long-Term Budget Outlook

Statement

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement on the Congressional Budget Office's (CBO) Long-Term Budget Outlook:

"The question has never been if we should reduce the long-term deficit -- the question is how. While we have made important progress in recent years, CBO's report shows we have more to do to be sustainable over the longer term. Democrats are committed to a balanced approach to reducing the deficit.

"The fastest and most effective way to reduce our deficit is to put Americans back to work and increase the take-home pay of families working hard to make ends meet. We must make critical investments in education, infrastructure, and scientific research to make sure our nation is competitive now and into the future. And we need a tax code that rewards work over wealth and isn't riddled with special interest loopholes.

"Responsible deficit reduction does not mean billions of dollars in unpaid-for tax breaks. It doesn't mean recklessly cutting spending -- despite the fact that the cuts will slow economic growth -- or arbitrarily demanding a balanced budget. It does not mean disinvesting in America's future and turning our back on the promises we've made to America's seniors.

"I hope our Republican colleagues will finally give up their attempts to balance the budget on the backs of kids, working families, and seniors. Instead, they should join our efforts to grow the economy and get our fiscal house in order."

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