Palmer: Budget Misses Mark

Palmer: Budget Misses Mark

March 16, 2016
For Immediate Release

Washington D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) released the following statement after the House Budget Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2017 Budget.

“My vote for the budget in the Committee today should not surprise anyone.  I kept my word to the Chairman that if I were placed on the Committee, I would support moving the process forward for full House consideration.

There are some provisions in this budget we can be proud of.  Implementing work requirements for able-bodied individuals receiving food stamps and Medicaid is a significant reform for out of control programs. Prohibiting the EPA from implementing the Clean Power Plan, ozone standards, and Waters of the U.S. are important steps in reigning in the significant regulatory overreach of the agency. 

Unfortunately, the budget adheres to spending levels that I opposed last year, because they were too high.  I will not support a budget at the current levels on the House floor.  Twenty-two government agencies made close to $125 billion in improper payments in 2014 and we failed to collect at least $380 billion in taxes owed the same year.  This alone tells us that spending increases are not necessary.  The process has been moved forward, but significant changes are required before I can support this budget or the process any further. The facts are plain and simple: it’s time we get our fiscal house in order.”

For any additional questions, contact:

Cate Cullen, (202) 225-4921, cate.cullen@mail.house.gov  
U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) serves on three Congressional committees: Oversight and Government Reform, Budget, and Science, Space and Technology.  Visit Palmer online at his website or via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.