Dent Statement on House Budget Vote

Statement

U.S. Rep Charlie Dent (PA-15) today issued the following statement after voting for H.Con.Res. 112, a resolution establishing the Fiscal Year 2013 federal budget:

"There is little debate our nation is facing a serious budget crisis. Unfortunately, the challenge in setting our country on a sustainable fiscal trajectory is daunting. It will require elected officials to abandon rigid partisan interests and instead focus on the greater national interest. Despite today's often dramatic partisan divide in Washington, I remain confident the budget crisis can be remedied in a constructive, bipartisan manner.

"Last night, I voted for a bipartisan budget framework and starting point that embraces many of the recommendations of the President's National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, chaired by former Republican Senator Alan Simpson (WY) and President Bill Clinton's Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles. Under this framework, the federal deficit would be cut by $4 trillion over 10 years through a combination of spending and tax reforms. Though only a blueprint, this bipartisan proposal recognizes the reality that Congress must advance truly comprehensive reform to have any hope of growing the economy and balancing the budget. Unfortunately, the framework failed to garner significant support and was defeated.

"This afternoon, I voted for the budget framework designed by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (WI-1). Like the bipartisan proposal defeated last night, this framework is not without flaws, but it too begins to articulate and define viable and serious strategies for growing the economy and cutting the deficit through structural spending and tax reform. Ultimately, the solution to our nation's budget crisis will likely include elements of both proposals I supported in the House this week.

"The House has now advanced a budget, as well as the dialogue our country must promptly embrace. Unfortunately, the majority in the U.S. Senate will continue to avoid consideration of a budget proposal, fearing the political ramifications of presenting an honest assessment of our fiscal problems to the American people. Coupled with the President's failure to receive even a single a vote in favor of his proposal during its consideration on the House floor last night, it is again apparent the House will drive efforts to create jobs and tame the federal deficit."

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