“Every day, people across Eastern Washington look at their finances, weigh their priorities, and live within their means. It’s time for the federal government to do the same thing.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after the House passed the FY 2016 Budget Resolution, A Balanced Budget for a Stronger America.

“Every day, people across Eastern Washington sit down at their kitchen tables and balance their families’ budget. They look at their finances, weigh their priorities, and live within their means. It’s time for the federal government to do the same. Today I voted for a budget that highlights our vision of ‘government for the people’ – one that stands in direct contrast to President Obama’s path forward. Our budget is the first step toward putting our country back on a fiscally responsible track – by balancing in less than ten years with no new taxes, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent more responsibly and efficiently. President Obama’s budget doesn’t balance, and punishes hard working Americans by raises taxes even more. Our budget secures a strong national defense – while the President’s lacks the adequate funding our military needs. Our budget repeals Obamacare, and puts health care decisions back in the hands of Eastern Washington families and our seniors. Five years into the President’s costly health care law, the need for a solution has never been more apparent.

“For our country’s economy to grow, we must have a strong foundation. Our budget provides the healthy roots American families need to feel secure and empowered. Today, I joined my colleagues in passing a budget that counteracts the President’s costly and out-of-touch policies and provides a solution that will make people’s lives better.”

By eliminating over $5 trillion in spending, the budget creates a healthier economy, reduces waste, fraud and abuse, and makes government more efficient and accountable for people in Eastern Washington. It strengthens Medicare by making structural improvements to save the program, including the establishment of a premium support program in Medicare to empower seniors and give them more choices. The program supports competition among insurance providers, and will begin in 2024 – meaning it will not impact people in or nearing retirement.

 

The Balanced Budget for a Stronger America cuts $2 trillion in Obamacare spending, repeals Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion, and grants flexibility to the States so the program can better serve those it is intended to benefit. State Flexibility Funds give states like Washington greater freedom to build the most effective programs for their communities.

 

The budget provides for a strong national defense through funding of troop training, equipment and compensation.

Additionally, it advocates for sensible reforms to ensure the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund while at the same time providing flexibility for a surface-transportation reauthorization that does not increase the deficit.

Click here to watch the Congresswoman’s video about the positive impact the budget will have on Eastern Washington.