Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) spoke on the House floor today in support of the Democratic budget resolution for the next fiscal year. Below are Larsen’s remarks as prepared for delivery.

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to oppose the substitute budget before us and express my strong support for the resolution passed by the Budget Committee. Our budget puts President Obama’s plan to invest in our nation’s priorities into action.

“Our budget is part of a comprehensive approach to create jobs and build the foundation for our country’s long-term economic strength.  Congress and the Administration have already taken action to save or create 3.5 million jobs, keep families in their homes, and stabilize our financial markets.

“The economy is clearly job #1.  President Obama inherited an economic mess from the last Administration—including a record deficit and soaring unemployment. 

“It will take time, hard work and difficult choices for us to get past this economic and fiscal crisis and move America in a New Direction.

“I hosted Town Talks with 200 of my constituents in Marysville and Lake Stevens, Washington over the weekend, and let me tell you, they are worried about the economy and they are ready for a new direction.

“President Obama and Chairman Spratt have proposed a budget resolution that moves our country in the right direction by investing in clean energy, education, and affordable health care for families and businesses.

“This budget also invests in our nation’s national security.  It provides a 3.8% funding increase for the Department of Defense to keep our country safe and support our service members and their families.

“And for the first time, the President’s Budget includes an honest, transparent accounting of the cost of sustaining our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Our budget also cuts the deficit by nearly two-thirds by 2013. It cuts taxes for working families by $1.5 trillion. And it creates jobs with targeted investments and reforms in health care, energy, and education.

“The Republican substitute does the opposite, cutting the investments we need to strengthen our economy for the long-term.  Instead of moving us in the new direction we need, the Republican substitute relies on the failed approaches of the past.

“I urge my colleagues to oppose this Substitute Budget and support President Obama’s and Chairman Spratt’s Budget Resolution. 

"Thank you.  I yield the rest of my time.”

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