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House Democratic Leaders: Budget is Fiscally Responsible with the Right Priorities for America

WASHINGTON - House Democratic Leaders praised the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget assembled by Chairman John Spratt (SC) that is in a Budget Committee mark-up today.  The Budget is expected to be on the Floor next week.
 
“For six years, federal budgets have cut funds to critical American priorities—and almost incomprehensibly turned a surplus into a record deficit over the same period,” said Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.  “This week, the new Democratic-led House takes America in a new direction—a fiscally responsible budget with the right priorities."
 
"Democrats have put forward a budget that invests in America’s priorities in a fiscally responsible way," said Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD).  "But after six years of fiscal irresponsibility under Republicans, it will take time to bring an end to record deficits and debt – you can’t turn around a ship of state in minutes."

"I commend Chairman Spratt for incorporating the diverse views and perspecitves of our caucus," said Majority Whip James Clyburn (SC).  "The House is finally delivering a balanced budget that reflects the priorities and values of the American people."

"The President's budgets have turned surpluses into deficits and debt," said Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (IL). "The new Democratic budget will fund the right priorities for our country."
 
"After 12 years of misplaced priorities, the Democrats' budget this year will reflect the true priorities of this Congress and the American people and we will do so with fiscal responsibility--we want our children to be healthy and educated, our veterans to be respected and given the resources upon their return worthy of their great sacrfice, protect our nations security and ensure the true state of our environment is addressed," said Caucus Vice Chair John Larson (CT).

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