Cantor on Budget Priorities
House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) today issued the following statement as the House Budget Committee prepared to markup the Administration's budget proposal:
"Last night, the President took to primetime to continue a public relations campaign for a budget plan that even members of his own party have concluded is far outside the mainstream. Republicans understand that families are anxious about their jobs, worried about their healthcare, and concerned about their savings. The President knows that Republicans will have a budget plan that will be considered by the House, one that will set clear priorities, and focus directly on growing the economy and reducing healthcare costs.
"We believe that the Administration's budget lacks a clear focus, avoids making the tough choices America needs, and fails to prioritize the real problems facing this economy, working families, and small businesses. In his first budget submission, the President will amass more debt than the previous forty-three Presidents combined, leaving our children with the bill. Second, this budget will increase taxes on the small businesses that employ one in four American workers. Hard working Americans know that that is the wrong approach, and Republicans are focused on empowering small business owners to create jobs. Third, every day families across America are setting priorities and making the tough choices in their family budgets, yet the President doesn't in his, spending so much that even members of his own party are concerned.
"Finally, I am profoundly disappointed by the President's continued failure to recognize the needs and value of charitable organizations. During difficult economic times, charities provide vital support mechanisms for families in need of help, and this budget is a direct assault on the financial resources they require."