(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) today approved of President Bush’s efforts in the Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Proposal to reduce our deficit and practice fiscal responsibility, but vowed to fight the Administration on any proposals that would increase energy rates for Northwest ratepayers.

“One of my top priorities is to provide economic growth for Eastern Washington, yet this cannot happen if BPA is forced to increase our energy rates,” said McMorris. “I am confident that once again the Northwest Congressional delegation will join together to successfully oppose any increases in our region’s power rates. I will continue to impress upon the House Budget Committee and the Administration that our energy rates are not artificially low and that our economy is dependent on inexpensive hydropower from our dams and rivers.”

McMorris worked last year to successfully eliminate from the budget a proposal that would have required Bonneville to sell power at market-based rates, rather than at cost. The proposal would have cost the Northwest $480 million next year and $250 billion over three years.

“This budget does however represent a good starting point for restoring fiscal responsibility. We must get our spending under control and make sure that we are spending tax payer dollars wisely. Every dollar we spend on an inefficient government program is one dollar that can’t be spent on help those who need it the most.”

“I was also pleased to see the President’s budget include support for programs that will encourage economic growth and job creation in Eastern Washington. Reducing health care costs and improving access through health information technology, promoting the development of renewable energy technology, and strengthening our competitiveness in the global economy are all policies that will have a positive impact on our economy.”