News Release



Van Hollen Unanimously Elected Ranking Member of the Budget Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2010

Washington, DC – Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen was unanimously elected Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee by the House Democratic Caucus. Following his election, Congressman Van Hollen issued the following statement:

“I am honored that my colleagues have elected me to serve as Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee. Our nation faces significant challenges, and we have an opportunity to fight for a federal budget that supports America’s values and is fiscally responsible. Chairman Spratt has worked tirelessly for 14 years to achieve those very goals, and I hope to follow his lead as my fellow committee members and I continue the effort.

“Over the next two years we will be engaged in a critical debate over how best to strengthen our economy and put our fiscal house in order. The Budget Committee will be a central front in this national conversation about how to accelerate job creation and economic growth. This is not just a debate about numbers. It will be a debate about protecting Social Security and strengthening Medicare so our seniors do not face undue hardship in their later years. The incoming Republican majority has made clear that they intend to hold up tax relief for middle class families in order to provide a $700 billion tax cut to wealthiest Americans – an irresponsible idea that will add to our national debt and slash education and other investments necessary for America to compete in the global economy.

“I look forward to working with incoming Chairman Paul Ryan. While we have some fundamental differences, we both agree that we must debate and tackle the real issues facing our country. The 112th Congress will deal with some very serious questions, and I hope we can work together to do everything we can to support American families and small businesses, create jobs here at home, and rebuild our economy.”

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