Casey: Senate Budget Invests in Right Priorities and Cuts Deficits

Press Release

Casey: Senate Budget Invests in Right Priorities and Cuts Deficits

Casey amendments pass that would enhance food safety and protect benefits for disabled veterans

Following passage of the Senate Budget Resolution that included two amendments authored by U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) on veterans benefits and food safety, he released the following statement:

"These are serious times that require smart policy. The fiscal policy of the Bush Administration since 2001 has a track record that is clear: record deficits, record debt, stagnant wages and big tax breaks for the wealthy as working families are left behind.

"As the United States faces a recession, record high oil prices, rising food costs and a mortgage crisis that is devastating families and the economy, we must all come together to find solutions to move America forward.

"The budget passed by the Senate begins to reverse the Bush policies by investing in the right priorities and returning to fiscal responsibility.

"The Senate budget rejects the cuts President Bush proposed for many proven and successful programs such as the Community Oriented Policing Services program, homeland security programs, LIHEAP, Amtrak, Community Development Block Grants and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The Senate restored funding for these programs and others that have broad support and a long track record of results.

"The budget also adds more funding for veterans than the Bush budget. And it removes the additional fees the Bush budget would have imposed on veterans for VA health care.

"My bipartisan food safety amendment will allow for funding to expand food inspections, enhance FDA recall authority and improve coordination of our food inspection system. I was also able to pass my bipartisan amendment calling for payment of bonuses to troops who have retired or separated for combat-related injuries.

"I am also pleased that amendments I supported to increase funding for the COPS program, to increase funding for the National Institutes of Health and to call for an extension of Philadelphia's Moving-to-Work housing program were adopted.

"We still have a lot of work to do to reverse the policies of the last seven years. This budget is a start."

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