Capito Votes for A Responsible, Balanced Budget Plan

Statement

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W. Va., voted today for a budget resolution that puts our country back on the path towards fiscal responsibility and economic growth. The budget resolution passed the House by a vote of 221 to 207. Additional information on the House passed budget resolution is available here.

"This budget is a blueprint that frames the way we manage our country's finances. While the resolution is not perfect, it is rooted in the common sense notion that government cannot continue spending more money than it takes in. Our national debt is over $16 trillion -- more than $53,000 for every man, woman, and child in this country. Continuing to pile on debt would weigh down economic opportunities for future generations of Americans -- our children and grandchildren. West Virginia families and small businesses have to live within their means, and this budget requires the federal government to do the same by balancing revenues and spending within 10 years.

"While acting to secure our nation's finances for future generations, it is important that we protect senior citizens who rely on Social Security and Medicare. The budget proposes no changes to Social Security or to the traditional structure of Medicare for anyone born before 1959.

"The budget that passed the House presented the best framework for reigning in government spending and avoiding tax increases for West Virginia families and small businesses, while at the same time protecting current and near seniors from changes to retirement programs."

Background

Congresswoman Capito voted against competing budget proposals that would have continued reckless spending, increased taxes on West Virginia families, and made changes to Social Security. Capito voted to reject the Senate Democrat budget that proposed a minimum of $923 billion in new taxes while never coming into balance, as well as House Democrat proposals that called for trillions in new taxes and government spending. Capito also voted against a substitute budget offered by Republicans that would have imposed harsher spending cuts, raised the Social Security retirement age and made Medicare changes effective for a people up to age 60. All of these amendments failed.

Source