Rehberg Statement After Budget Vote: Too Much Uncertainty, Not Enough Time

Statement

Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today released the following statement following his vote against the initial Republican Budget proposal. The plan, which was introduced last week, is also the first budget to be considered in Congress since 2009.

"It doesn't matter to me whether it's a Republican plan or a Democrat plan, what matters is whether or not the plan is right for Montana. This budget -- the first one we have even considered in two years -- has a lot of good things in it that I fully support. But there are still too many unanswered questions with regard to Medicare reform, and I simply won't support any plan until I know for a fact that Montana's seniors will be protected. Regardless of which party wants to change Medicare, either Democrats with Obamacare or Republicans through this budget proposal, it's always been my approach to listen directly to Montanans prior to any vote. It's being rushed through with little to no public input. That's just plain wrong. Montanans deserve a chance to weigh in on this. Additionally, as Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services Subcommittee it will be my responsibility to oversee the budget and at this point, there are just too many unanswered questions as to exactly how it will work. I intend to craft a common sense funding bill that works for Montana and that incorporates input from Montanans."

Among the provisions in the legislation that Rehberg supports:

* Calls for a simpler, less burdensome tax code for households and small businesses. Lowers tax rates for individuals, businesses and families. Sets top rates for individuals and businesses at 25 percent. Improves incentives for growth, savings, and investment.
* Eliminates hundreds of duplicative programs, reflects the ban on earmarks, and curbs corporate welfare bringing non-security discretionary spending to below 2008 levels.
* Prioritizing National Security: Reflects $178 billion in savings identified by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, reinvesting $100 billion in higher military priorities and dedicating the rest to deficit reduction.
* Returns non-security discretionary spending to below 2008 levels. Repeals the new health care law and moves toward patient-centered reform.
* Ending Corporate Welfare: Ends the taxpayer bailouts of failed financial institutions, reforms Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and stops Washington from picking the winners and losers across sectors of the economy.
* Boosting American Energy Resources: Removes barriers to safe, responsible energy exploration in the United States; unlocks American energy production to help lower costs, create jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign fossil fuels.
* Changing Washington's Culture of Spending: Locks in savings with enforceable spending caps and budget process reforms, addressing not only what Washington spends, but also how tax dollars are spent.

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