Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), member of the House Budget Committee, made the following statement after President Obama released his budget outline for Fiscal Year 2010:
 
“On Tuesday, President Obama spoke to Congress and the American people about the historic challenges we face. He presented a bold plan to overcome these challenges and offered a hopeful vision of our country’s future.

“Today, President Obama took an important step to plan for our future by sharing his blueprint for our fiscal priorities.

“President Obama’s budget begins with a direct and straightforward assessment of the fiscal mess our country has inherited from the last Administration.  In his budget outline, President Obama commits to restoring fiscal responsibility, pay-as-you-go spending and cutting the deficit in half by the end of his first term. 

“To strengthen our economy for the long-term, the President’s budget invests in modern infrastructure and clean energy to make our country energy independent, expands access to early and higher education  to make our workforce competitive, and commits to making affordable healthcare a reality for all Americans.

“This budget demonstrates President Obama’s strong commitment to our military. It provides a 2.9 percent pay raise for our service members. Finally, President Obama’s budget gives an honest assessment of the future cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – an important step toward transparency.

“Our country faces historic challenges. The President’s budget presents a bold, responsible plan to help us meet them.

“As a member of the House Budget Committee, I look forward to reviewing the details of the President’s budget request in the coming weeks.”

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