Coats Supports Plans to Balance Budget, Preserve Medicare

Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) today voted against the president's fiscal year 2012 budget and instead backed two Republican alternative plans that would reduce government spending, balance the budget and preserve Medicare for future generations.

"The unanimous opposition to the president's budget highlights the administration's failure to offer a serious plan for our economic future. Recognizing this failure, Republicans put forward several proposals aimed to reduce spending and restore the economy.

"Although I don't agree with every aspect of these alternative proposals, I believe each contain valuable components that should be included in this debate. Mandatory spending, particularly Medicare, is a main driver of our national debt. The Ryan plan is a positive first step in addressing ways to preserve these benefits for future generations without bankrupting our country. The Toomey proposal would put the country on a fiscally sustainable path by balancing the budget. Both elements are vital to construct a credible, long-term economic plan.

"As our national debt soars, it is irresponsible for Senate Democrats to continue blocking all efforts to pass a budget blueprint. I urge those who opposed every budget plan today to present their own proposals to return this nation to fiscal sanity."

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