Reichert Statement on 2012 Budget

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) released this statement regarding the 2012 budget resolution that was voted on today in the U.S. House of Representatives:

“While this budget serves only as a framework to advance the federal spending debate, I’m happy to see that it proposes significant steps toward reining in spending and putting our country back on a sustainable fiscal path,” Reichert said.  “As a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, I will have direct jurisdiction over some of the most critical components of this budget – like tax reform and healthcare benefits – and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure that deficit reduction proposals are crafted in a responsible manner.

“I’ve heard from my constituents and share their concerns about reductions in Pell Grants for low-income students, oil drilling expansion in our wilderness, and how entitlement reform could affect seniors and those approaching retirement.  I support this proposal because it recommends spending cuts, avoids raising taxes on struggling families and job-creating small businesses, and reaffirms congressional authority to improve subsidy programs; all provisions in the blueprint passed today.  While this budget is not perfect, it’s an important step in the right direction.”