Washington, D.C.  – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD, R-Southwest Louisiana, today voted against a final Democratic budget that would tax American energy production and open the door to government-run healthcare.

“Over the past month, I continually heard from people across Southwest Louisiana that this budget could cost jobs in our area and fails to address the problems we face in a commonsense way,” Boustany said.  “My colleagues and I offered alternatives and reached out to the other side of the aisle to make some substantial changes to come up with a budget that we could all support.  The budget the House passed today opens the door for dramatically higher taxes on American energy production and radical changes to healthcare for millions of Americans.”

The $3.5 trillion Democratic budget includes a massive $1.5 trillion tax increase while also increasing the federal deficit.  In addition, the budget contains “reconciliation provisions” which allow Democratic majorities to pass a cap and trade energy tax program and overarching healthcare overhauls.

The House passed the budget with a vote of 233-193.  Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-Napoleonville) was the only member of the Louisiana delegation to vote in favor of the budget.  17 Democrats voted against the measure as well.

Rep. Boustany spoke against the budget on the House Floor yesterday, which can be viewed here.

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