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Washington, DC -- {U.S. Rep. Ron Klein (FL-22) today issued the following statement concerning the passage of the House Budget Resolution, which puts our nation back on track toward reclaiming a balanced budget, and reflects the priorities of all Americans.
“The budget passed by Congress today, and puts the priorities of our troops, children and families first. This budget adheres to historic pay-as-you go rules, meaning that every new spending project must be offset by existing funds. We will not fund a new item unless there is money available to do that. By utilizing the same common sense principles people use when they balance their family check book, we will balance our national budget in five years -- something that is sorely needed from an economical and national security standpoint. By supporting this budget, Congress is making the necessary steps to get our country back on the track of fiscal responsibility.
“The past Congress and the current Administration have taken our great nation down an unprecedented road of fiscal irresponsibility. While shirking there duties last year, the last few Congress’s did not even bother to work on a budget. However, this Congress will right the ship and promote economic growth and security while offering a plan to balance the budget and reduce our deficit.
“This budget also restores the priorities important to all Americans. The brave men and women who have served our country abroad have returned home, only to find they must endure meager hospital conditions and long waiting lists at VA clinics to get the health care they need. This budget repairs the damage done in President Bush’s budget and invests in our military, ensuring that our troops who are serving not only have the resources they need while in combat, but have the access to the best health care and veterans services they need when they come home. This budget also puts children and family first by investing in health care and education programs, providing tax relief to middle class families and providing assistance for communities who have been hit hard by hurricanes.
“And finally, this budget halts funding cuts to Florida’s Medicare beneficiaries – programs that millions of our seniors rely on, and that President Bush’s budget has consistently under funded. Earlier this month, I sent a letter to House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt, expressing my strong concerns that additional cuts and President Bush’s new indexing scheme would adversely impact our seniors. Chairman Spratt agreed, and has responded by making sure that this budget maintains current funding levels for Medicare.” | 
