Udall Condemns House-Passed Budget

UDALL CONDEMNS HOUSE-PASSED BUDGET
March 17, 2005

Representative Says Bill Does Not Help Control Soaring Deficit

WASHINGTON - Saying it would not help reduce the federal budget deficit, U.S. Representative Tom Udall, D-N.M., voted against the budget resolution that narrowly passed the U.S. House Thursday.

Congress' budget sets overall spending and tax targets while leaving specific revenue and expenditure changes for bills considered later in the session. It does not need the president's signature.

"As hard as it to believe, the House budget is actually worse than President Bush's budget proposal," Udall said. "Just as New Mexico families should not spend more than they have, likewise, the government should live within its means and not saddle future generations with our debt. This budget does not reflect the public's highest priorities. We should ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and where they will provide the most benefit. The House-passed budget fails that test.

"The cuts contained in this budget are unprecedented. For all of the pain these reductions would produce, they would have little effect on lowering the deficit. In fact, this plan would actually increase the deficit. I firmly believe these soaring deficits are threatening our economy. Under this budget, the United States will be forced to borrow more and more money from Japan, China, and even South Korea.

"When we lift the veil, we see the truth: more debt, more deficits, and more emphasis on misguided priorities. We can and should do better," Udall concluded.

http://www.tomudall.house.gov/issues2.cfm?id=10284