Van Hollen Statement on Passage of the Republican Budget

Washington, D.C. – Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement following final passage of the House Republican budget:

“Today, House Republicans made their choice for America’s future abundantly clear: abandon the economic recovery, end the Medicare guarantee, and slash investments for national priorities  – all to provide a whopping average tax break of almost $400,000 for people making over $1 million a year.  It is a path to greater prosperity if you’re already wealthy, but it leaves seniors, working Americans, and future generations behind. The question is not whether we reduce the deficit, but how – and the choices in this Republican budget are simply wrong for America.

“House Democrats offered an alternative budget that preserved the Medicare guarantee, provided tax relief for working families, asked millionaires and special interests to share responsibility for reducing the deficit, and protected the promise and opportunity of the American Dream for all. Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues stood in opposition to our fair and balanced approach.”