WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette (D-CO) today offered the following comments on President Bush’s 2009 Budget Proposal:

“The priorities reflected in President Bush’s 2009 budget proposal do not reflect the priorities of the American people. Americans deserve a budget that helps them meet real life needs -- a budget based on reality. 

“The President’s budget is misguided -- with prices rising and our economy slowing, the President slashes health care for seniors and working families, freezes potentially-lifesaving medical research, raises health care costs for veterans, and cuts energy assistance. Once again, the President calls for an increase in military funding to conduct his failed war in Iraq.

“With renewable energy technology at the forefront of our new economy, the President makes critical cuts to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) budget. This not only hurts Coloradoans, but Americans nationwide who want to achieve energy independence.

“The Democratic Majority will restore the priorities of the American people by making critical investments to strengthen our economy and create jobs, helping Americans struggling with the skyrocketing costs of health care, energy, and groceries, while holding the President accountable for his disastrous war in Iraq.”