Himes Statement on Budget Votes

Press Release

Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) issued the following statement today after voting against the House Republican Majority's budget for fiscal 2016. The Republican budget would slash transportation and infrastructure investments, cut college financial aid, reduce Head Start enrollment, repeal the Affordable Care Act, threaten the Medicare guarantee for new retirees and increase seniors' health costs. It also would increase spending on defense programs without raising any new revenue.

"The House Majority's budget would have a devastating impact on Connecticut's seniors and middle-class families. This budget slashes infrastructure investments that are the life-blood of Southwest Connecticut's economy, takes health coverage away from millions of Americans and forces thousands of Connecticut seniors to pay higher prescription drug costs. It also calls for deep, damaging cuts to Head Start, college loan programs and job-training initiatives that are vital to ensuring that today's children have the opportunities and skills they need to thrive.

"Unfortunately, none of the budget alternatives debated today confront the most critical fiscal challenge we face - the need to equitably and fairly reform our Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid systems to ensure their long-term stability. I voted for the Democratic plan because it is more forward-looking and fair than the Republican proposal. It makes the immediate investments we need to fix our crumbling transportation infrastructure and ensure that every child has the opportunity to get a world class education."

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