Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E., (WV-1) issued the following statement following his vote against several budget plans presented today:

“Congress voted on several budget proposals today that represent differing priorities,” said McKinley. “The Democrats offered plans that never balance, spend billions more, and increase taxes and regulations. This is the wrong answer for America.”

“The plan offered by Rep. Tom Price stands in stark contrast,” said McKinley. “He should be commended for presenting a budget that balances in ten years, makes necessary reforms, repeals Obamacare, and reduces waste and duplication.”

“While the House Republican budget includes positive aspects, it also includes some proposals that differ from the priorities of West Virginia’s First District and it does not address the growing financial challenges facing rural America” said McKinley.

These concerns with the budget include:

• A lack of needed investments in our aging infrastructure;
• Reducing funding to programs, such as Community Development Block Grants, that communities across the First District utilize;
• Cuts to research at the National Energy Technology Laboratory; and  
• Phasing out Essential Air Service (EAS), which our airports depend on.