"In his budget, President Obama put forth his plan to grow our economy, create jobs and reduce our deficit in a responsible way. In particular, I'm pleased to see the President's budget includes investments in manufacturing innovation institutes, which will help reinvigorate our advanced manufacturing capability, and increase access to quality, early education through his Preschool for All initiative. President's Obama's budget clearly demonstrates an earnest effort to forge a bold and balanced budget compromise with Republicans.
"I also have concerns with some aspects of the President's budget, specifically the chained consumer price index (CPI). A chained CPI amounts to a reduction in Social Security benefits for millions of seniors, veterans and those with disabilities. No one doubts the importance of reducing our national deficit. But we must take a responsible approach that doesn't balance the budget at the expense of hard working middle class families and seniors.
"Now that the House, Senate and President Obama have introduced their respective budget proposals, I look forward to working with Members of Congress -- both Democrats and Republicans -- to reach a responsible, balanced budget."