MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
This week, Republicans passed their spending bill, which irresponsibly cuts investments in our long term economic growth. Democrats agree that we must cut spending as a part of rolling back the deficit, but the Republican Spending Bill does not distinguish wasteful or low-priority spending from long term investments that create jobs and grow the economy. Instead, they put forward a reckless plan that undermines our ability to out-educate, out-innovate and out-build our competitors throughout the world.
President Obama’s budget, released on Monday, stands in strong contrast to the Republican Spending Bill. It makes the tough choices to reduce the deficit by $1.1 trillion while protecting investments in education, research and infrastructure. These investments are critical to building a competitive workforce, maintaining our position as a world leader in cutting-edge fields and building infrastructure so that companies can grow. President Obama made clear in his budget where his priorities lie—in job creation, strengthening the middle class and reducing the deficit.
In the days and weeks ahead, Democrats are committed to working together with Republicans to fund the government for the rest of the year. Americans do not want the government to shut down, and we are focused on ensuring that does not happen. We must tackle our deficit in a serious way. We stand ready to work with Republicans to address our long term fiscal challenges while protecting the investments we need to remain competitive.
Sincerely yours,
STENY H. HOYER