For Release: Monday, February 13, 2012
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL), Ranking Democrat on the Aviation Subcommittee and Acting Ranking Democrat on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, today issued the following statement regarding the introduction of President Obama’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13):
“While I have some concerns with individual pieces of the President’s budget proposal, I support his continued emphasis on making targeted investments – particularly in transportation infrastructure – while cutting the deficit significantly over the long-term. The President understands that improving our roads, bridges, airports and waterways not only puts people to work immediately, but it makes our economy more efficient now and for decades into the future. His continued focus on educating our workforce to compete in today’s high-tech economy and funding research to find the next generation of scientific breakthroughs while maintaining Social Security, Medicare and an adequate social safety net also makes sense.
“I am sorry to see aviation user fees make another appearance in an administration budget, as they are a non-starter in Congress, and we will take a very hard look at the choices the President makes in his NASA proposal.”
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