Heck Statement on President's FY 2016 Budget Proposal

Statement

Below is a statement from Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) following the release of the President's budget for Fiscal Year 2016:

"The President's budget proposal includes common-sense ideas that should be included in any final agreement negotiated within the legislative branch.

"I will fight for the proposals within the budget that I think are most important to grow our economy beyond the 2.6 percent from last quarter, involve the middle class and ensure our national security. Regardless of party affiliation, these should be priority items for every member of Congress and every hard-working American.

"Those proposals include:

* Ending sequestration once and for all so the military can execute their defense strategy, and bases such as Joint Base Lewis-McChord aren't subject to arbitrary cuts.

* Ending other harmful sequestration cuts that affect the social safety net, such as Meals-on-Wheels.

* Modernizing our infrastructure through America Fast Forward Bonds and Qualified Public Infrastructure Bonds to support a robust economy, and cutting the red tape to get projects such as the expansion of I-5 in our area moving as fast as possible.

* Helping veterans and their families receive civilian positions, education and training for the 21st Century workforce (notably the Small Business Administration's Boots to Business initiative), and access to affordable housing and financing.

* Enacting comprehensive immigration reform, which is estimated to add $1 trillion in revenues to the budget over two decades and allows small business to expand, productivity to rise, wages to increase, and more jobs for the 10th Congressional District."

"The President's proposal also includes $30 million for the Puget Sound Action Agenda to protect shellfish, manage stormwater and restore habitats, which falls far short of the need for comprehensive restoration."

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