Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), member of the House Budget Committee, made the following statement today after President Barack Obama released his budget outline for Fiscal Year 2011.

“Today, President Obama outlined a budget that tackles our nation’s two biggest needs: creating jobs now and driving down the deficit in the future.

“One year ago, our economy was on the brink of collapse. Congress took immediate action to save us from economic catastrophe by passing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to jumpstart the economy and spur job growth.

“It is clear that our economy has turned a corner and that the Recovery Act is working and will continue to work, but far too many Americans remain out of work and struggling to make ends meet.

“The President’s budget calls for immediate action to create jobs by helping small businesses grow, investing in clean energy and repairing our infrastructure.

“President Obama prioritizes support for the middle class by extending a tax cut for 110 million American families. Helping those hurt most by this recession must remain a priority as we craft this budget.

“Moving forward, it is critical that we build a foundation for future economic growth by reining in spending and tackling the deficit. The President’s budget restores fiscal responsibility by calling for a bipartisan fiscal commission that will examine every piece of our budget and consider ways to overhaul our approach to spending and the long-term deficit.

“This week, Congress will hold a final vote on statutory “pay as you go” legislation. This measure led our nation from deficits to record surpluses in the late 1990s and will be a critical tool as we work to control spending and bring down the deficit.
“As a member of the House Budget Committee, I look forward to working with the President to finalize a long-term, sustainable budget that will create jobs, help American families and get our economy moving again.  

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