WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement after President Barack Obama released his FY2014 budget proposal two months after the original deadline:

“The good news is, for the first time in four years, the budget process can move forward. We have three plans to review, and we will look for the common ground in order to get something done for hardworking Americans and their families.

“Unfortunately, the majority of the president’s budget is more of the same status quo policies that have grown the government, not the economy. The House Republican plan balances the budget in 10 years and reforms the tax code to create economic growth and jobs. The president’s proposal would add $8.2 trillion in new debt over 10 years, and calls for another $1.1 trillion tax increase on top of the more than $1.5 trillion he already received in his healthcare law and the fiscal cliff deal. While the president’s plan to reform Social Security might be aimed at the wrong program, I am encouraged he is willing to admit that the real drivers of our debt are auto-pilot spending programs like Social Security and Medicare.  

“It is my hope in the weeks ahead we can continue to debate these plans, come up with a blueprint that will bring some relief to those Americans who are struggling today, and allow them to provide a better future for their children and grandchildren.”

Click here to watch Congresswoman Jenkins’ remarks on the president’s budget proposal at the GOP leadership press conference this morning.

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