Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2008

 

Contact:
Caroline Burns
(202) 225-3631

 

Bishop: Bush Budget Eliminates Funding Where It Is Most Needed

 

Washington, D.C. Congressman Sanford Bishop today released the following statement on the President’s budget:

 

“It’s incredible to me that despite the tremendous cost of the President’s budget– which tops $3 trillion for the first time ever – it manages to eliminate funding where it’s most needed. The President wants to deny health care for the youngest and most vulnerable among us, eliminate HOPE VI funding and Community Services Block Grants, and cut heating assistance for the poor, just as the price of oil tops $3 a gallon. While I share the President’s goal of bringing the budget into balance, he shouldn’t do it on the backs of the nation’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens.”

 

“Furthermore, the President’s budget fails to address true budgetary concerns by not providing a permanent fix to the alternative minimum tax and failing to fully account for the cost of the war.  Treating the war as an ‘unexpected cost’ doesn’t make sense at this juncture. We’re going to ensure our troops have every dollar they need to fight this war, but after 6 years, we know what this war costs - $10 billion a month. Not accounting for that is fiscally irresponsible and gives President Bush cover for more off-budget spending to drive up the deficit.”

 

“Of course, despite these concerns, I have confidence in the Democratic leadership to work with the minority to craft a budget that works for all the people of America, including the Second District. I pledge to work with my colleagues to reach an agreement that helps people with health care, jobs, housing, and keeping our communities safe.”

 

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