Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Berman voted in favor of a long-term economic plan that puts America on a path towards renewed prosperity and growth.  The plan cuts taxes, cuts the deficit, puts restraints on spending and makes targeted investments in health care, energy and education that will grow the economy and create jobs. 

“This budget is a long-term economic plan that includes targeted investments that will create new jobs, help transform our economy with clean American energy, prepare our students for the jobs of the 21st century and reform our health care system to make it affordable for families and help businesses compete.” said Rep. Berman.

"We are taking significant steps with this budget resolution to reduce health care costs – one of the largest contributors to the deficit and a drag on American businesses – improving the quality of care and expanding coverage, without adding to the deficit.  Our long-term economic plan also increases investments in new energy technologies made in America, and lays the groundwork for legislation that will cut pollution and reduce our dependence on foreign oil."

Rep. Berman touted the budget for its fairness to American families and fiscal responsibility – cutting taxes on almost all American families and cutting the deficit by nearly two thirds by 2013.

“This plan will make America stronger and give our people more tools to achieve prosperity,” said Rep. Berman. “It will take time to turn our economy around – President Obama inherited one of the worst financial disasters in generations. But this budget is a bold step in the right direction.”

The plan approved by the House today ushers in a new era of honesty and accountability in budgeting.  While the previous administration masked costs like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and natural disasters to make the deficit appear smaller, President Obama and this Congress are including estimates of these costs for every year in the budget.  The budget also reinforces a commitment to statutory pay-as-you-go (or PAYGO) rules, an important tool of fiscal discipline.

“Our economic plan saves taxpayers billions of dollars with new initiatives to root out waste, fraud and abuse,” said Rep. Berman. “We must make smart investments in our future, but review every taxpayer dollar spent as we go along to restore accountability after years of contractor abuses, no-bid contracts and irresponsible stewardship. The long-term economic plan we passed today is an unprecedented step towards securing America and getting us back on the road to prosperity.”

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