Palmer Statement on "A Balanced Budget for a Stronger America' Proposal

Statement

Congressman Gary Palmer, a member of the Budget Committee, offers the following statement on the proposed budget released today:

"One of my first priorities as a member of Congress is getting the country's fiscal house in order. We must end the era of endless deficits and debt that is spiraling out of control. The national debt has risen by almost 50% in the past six years alone, and while the deficit has been temporarily reduced, it has not been eliminated and all projections indicate that it will resume a steep and continuous rise unless serious reforms are made as to how Washington spends the taxpayer's hard-earned dollars.

"There are several positive aspects of this proposal. This budget strengthens Medicare by creating a premium support system that will provide market incentives for both better and less expensive care, while not making any changes for those at or near retirement. It repeals Obamacare in full, including repealing the Medicaid expansion under Obamacare which will save over $900 billion by 2025. It also reforms Medicaid by giving greater flexibility to the states to ensure it is spent only on those who need it most. It starts the process of addressing Social Security insolvency by stopping any raids on the retirement trust fund and by setting up a framework for further structural reforms.

"I think we can do more. Federal spending still exceeds revenues in the coming years in this proposal, but I believe there will be good opportunities from the framework the committee has created. Congress should act on them."

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