U.S. Representative Martha McSally today released the following statement after voting against the Republican budget for Fiscal Year 2016:
"I appreciate the ideas put forward by my colleagues, but I was elected to represent the voices of Southern Arizonans and their priorities. I've continually heard from them that we need to protect retirement programs and ensure we have a military capable of defending us against growing national security threats, and I have concerns that this budget does not meet those priorities."
"The Federal Government's number one function is to protect American citizens and our interests. From an extremely sophisticated and well-resourced terrorist group in ISIS, to Russia's increased aggression in Europe, China's continued military build-up, and Iran marching toward a nuclear capability, we face serious and growing threats to our national security. Drastic across-the-board cuts have already devastated many current capabilities and continue to weaken readiness and hollow out our military."
"As any family in Southern Arizona knows, putting together a budget requires hard decisions. Getting our spending under control and tackling the greatest challenges facing us will require both sides to come together and find common ground to make our country stronger. As this is just the first step in the appropriations process, I look forward to continue working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to protect the priorities of Southern Arizonans and ensure their voices are heard."