Foster Votes For Bipartisan Budget Agreement

Statement

Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) voted for H.R. 1314, the Bipartisan Budget Agreement of 2015.

"This budget agreement is the kind of practical, bipartisan legislation that we need to see more of. While it is far from perfect, this agreement will allow government programs to be funded at a level that better meets our needs for essential services and avoid, for the next 17 months, a situation where a fringe, minority group can threaten the full faith and credit of the United States," said Foster.

"This agreement will lift the mindless, across the board sequester caps for two years and will restore essential funding for domestic initiatives. It will keep those most in need from seeing drastic increases in their medical expenses by preventing a major increase in Medicare Part B costs for seniors, as well as preventing a 20 percent cut in Social Security Disability benefits. It will also extend the solvency of Social Security Disability Insurance. Importantly, it also raises the debt limit without partisan policy riders that will hurt the middle class and limit access to healthcare."

"While I supported the agreement, I am disappointed that it continues the use of budget gimmicks like the Overseas Contingency Operations fund to funnel money into defense spending outside of the normal appropriations process."

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