WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today received President George W. Bush’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2007. The President’s $2.77 trillion federal budget eliminates or reduces 141 programs, slows the growth of entitlement spending and cuts the federal budget deficit in half by 2009. The Budget also recommends investment in measures to increase American competitiveness in a 21st century economy.

“While I am still reviewing the rather large document and awaiting program details over the next two weeks, I am encouraged by the budget principles set forward by President Bush,” said Tiahrt. “The American people want Congress to cut the deficit, hold the line on spending, reduce the growth of entitlement programs and keep Americans and their families safe. The President’s budget appears to address all of those national priorities.”

By releasing his FY 2007 Budget, the President has officially started the federal budget process. Over the next several months, the Senate and House budget committees and more than 40 oversight committees in both the House and Senate will hold numerous budget hearings that will ultimately result in 11 appropriations bills that go through the Appropriations Committee of each chamber. Tiahrt serves on the House Appropriations Committee. The 2007 Fiscal Year begins October 1, 2006.