Three members of the congressional delegation issued statements following approval of the U. S. House budget plan.
Here are their statements:
Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) joined with 228 members to pass the House budget. As written, this budget cuts $5.5 trillion in spending and would balance within 10 years, as opposed to President Obama’s proposed budget that never balances. Even with these cuts, the budget would provide our military with the resources needed to protect and defend our nation, honor the service of our veterans by providing sufficient benefits, while simplifying the tax code and repealing Obamacare in full. Congressman Russell released the following statement:
“One of the most important aspects of the national budget is to make sure our military is fully funded and operational. This budget provides improved funding for our Armed Forces, and thus better reflects the commitment we should have to our men and women in uniform. Also, through a process called budget reconciliation, this is a huge first step in delivering a full repeal of Obamacare to the President’s desk.”
Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) today voted for the U.S. House of Representatives plan to balance the federal budget in less than 10 years. The bill includes no tax increases and a provision to completely repeal Obamacare, setting the stage for patient-centered health care reforms.
“Prosperity for our children’s future means ensuring that they are not saddled with today’s debt,” said Mullin. “I am proud to support this responsible, good-government budget that prioritizes the future of America. Even more, it removes one of the greatest government overreaches in history, what we all know as Obamacare.”
The House plan also calls for reforms that would create a simpler, flatter tax code and provide more transparency and accountability within the federal regulatory system. Mullin, a second-term lawmaker from Westville, Okla., has been strongly supportive of such initiatives.
“As a business owner, I have seen how misguided laws and heavy-handed regulations are hurting jobs,” said Mullin. “What’s worse is that small businesses are being crippled in compliance costs from a ridiculously complex and unfair tax system. The ultimate price is decreased job growth across the country. The Obama administration must be held accountable for these heavy weighted burdens and overreaches.”
The House budget comes only weeks after the White House financial plan, which never reaches a balance and calls for roughly $1 trillion in tax increases. Mullin has firmly opposed the president’s plan, calling it irresponsible and out of touch with the priorities of Oklahomans.
“I was disappointed, but not surprised, when the president offered a budget that never balances and raises $1 trillion in new taxes,” said Mullin. “It is beyond time for the president to listen to the real concerns of Oklahomans and come to the negotiating table on getting our country’s fiscal house in order. Americans do not want more taxes or government mandates. They want a responsible budget that sets our country on the right path.”
Mullin also voted this week for an alternative conservative budget that achieved balance in six years.
Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Con. Res. 27, to establish the federal government’s budget for fiscal year 2016. The House proposal recommended by Republicans would balance the budget in less than 10 years, cut spending by $5.5 trillion, provide funding to maintain a strong national defense, repeal Obamacare, reform both the tax code and entitlements—like Medicare and Medicaid—and present real solutions to grow the economy.
“For the fifth consecutive year, I am pleased that House Republicans have passed a responsible budget that offers real solutions for changing the trajectory of our debt,” said Cole. “As it has in previous years, the House proposal actually achieves a balanced budget, unlike the president’s budget that raises taxes and still never balances. By making the necessary yet difficult decisions today, the House plan again reaffirms our commitment to protecting American prosperity and opportunity for future generations.
“As I have said quite often since both chambers unveiled their budgets last week, it is important to realize that these blueprints, including the one passed today, represent the starting positions for negotiating something we can all agree on. Just as we worked out the differences in our initial starting position through committee mark-up last week and this week during floor consideration in our own chamber, finding the same common ground is still required in the days ahead, especially as we face reconciliation with the Senate’s opening position,” concluded Cole.
To read a transcript and watch Congressman Cole’s remarks on the House floor during consideration of the rule for H. Con. Res. 27, click here.
