On her reaction to President Bush’s Budget Plan

February 05, 2007

"The amounts being requested for Iraq and defense are extraordinary sums. We must fully fund our national defense, but we cannot afford to simply accept the President’s request without providing the requisite oversight and accountability our constitution requires.

"I believe America’s spending priorities should be a reflection of our shared values. Unfortunately President Bush does not appear to share this view. The President’s proposal sends billions more to Iraq, but slashes funding for Medicare and Medicaid, and a host of other domestic priorities.

"The President’s budget also leaves out significant expenses in an attempt to balance the budget. American families don’t get to ignore some bills and claim to have a balanced family budget – the federal government shouldn’t either.

"I was also disappointed that the President’s budget does not fix the Alternative Minimum Tax beyond 2008. Upstate New York middle class families need real tax relief and this budget does not provide it.

"I cannot support a budget that hurts America’s seniors while funding a massive expansion of investments in Iraq. I plan on working with Members of both parties to help craft a better proposal that will more effectively fund our priorities. We need to take care of our troops in the field and our veterans and seniors at home. These priorities need not be mutually exclusive."

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