WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps applauded the passage of a responsible New Direction Democratic budget.  The Congressional budget, S.CON.RES.70, makes key investments in energy, education, and infrastructure while cutting middle class taxes and restores fiscal responsibility by returning the budget to balance in five years.  Yesterday the Senate passed the budget resolution by a vote of 48 to 45 and today the House approved the measure by a vote of 214 to 210.  This is the first budget adopted in an election year since 2000 and is a significant accomplishment for the New Direction Congress.

“I have always said that the budget is more that just a bunch of random numbers,” said Capps.  “It is truly a moral document and a powerful statement about our country’s values and priorities.  This budget outlines the Democratic-led Congress’ plan to rebuild our economy and restore fiscal responsibility.  By listening to the American people we were able to craft a financial blue print for the federal government that strengthens our investment in energy, education and infrastructure while additionally providing middle class tax relief and brings the budget back into balance.”

Highlights of the Democratic budget:

Rejects the failed fiscal policies of the Bush Administration and Congressional Republicans.  It returns the budget to balance – reaching a surplus of $22 billion in 2012 and $10 billion in 2013.

Responds to soaring energy costs by encouraging renewable energy sources, clean fuel technology, and energy efficiency.

Makes critical education and innovation investments that will help generate economic growth and jobs, make higher education more affordable, improve student achievement, and reverse the Bush Administration’s under-funding of education.

Invests in our nation’s infrastructure – repairing crumbling roads, bridges, transit, airports, and schools.

Does not include any tax increase.  Rather, the Democratic budget includes significant tax relief such as extending the marriage penalty relief, the child tax credit, and the 10 percent bracket, as well as allowing for estate tax reform.  It includes an additional year of Alternative Minimum Tax relief.  And it provides for property tax relief, energy and education tax relief, and extenders. 

Makes our country safer by providing robust funding for national defense and ensuring that resources are available to address the most critical threats facing the nation.  It ensures that veterans get the quality health care they need and deserve.  It also protects the homeland and rejects the President’s cuts in law enforcement, the COPS program, firefighters, and other first responders.

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.