Statement from Chairwoman Mikulski on the Release of the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Request by the President

Statement

Chairwoman Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) issued the following statement today with regard to the release of the President's Fiscal Year 2014 budget request:
"The President's request moves us in the right direction. I commend his proposed initiatives to increase funding for basic scientific research, to rebuild our nation's infrastructure, and to provide quality preschool for every child. They will create jobs today and jobs tomorrow and protect the middle class. They deserve bipartisan support.

"I support the top-line funding level of $1.058 trillion, which is consistent with the bipartisan American Taxpayer Relief Act that passed the Senate just three months ago by an overwhelming vote of 89-8. We should stick to that deal and find a balanced solution to eliminate sequester. Sequester is a terrible policy that was never intended to happen.

"I do agree with the President that we need a balanced approach to end sequester. However, there are specifics in the President's plan around earned benefits about which I have serious concerns.

"As Chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, I will work across the aisle, across the dome, and across town with the White House to move bipartisan appropriations bills that make smart public investments to advance our national interest with a sense of frugality that is required in these challenging economic times."

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