U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today voted to approve the Congressional budget for the United States government for the fiscal year 2010.  The budget, which would cut taxes, restrain spending and reduce the deficit by nearly two-thirds in four years, was approved by a vote of 233-193.

“I was proud to support a budget that will reaffirm my commitment to the paygo principle and reduce the budget deficit dramatically in just four years.  This budget reduces discretionary spending to its lowest level in nearly fifty years and provides honest accounting.  Unlike so many previous budgets, this one does not mask the costs of war and disaster relief.  Fiscal responsibility is the cornerstone of any good budget, and this one has it.  This framework has the potential to put American on the path to economic independence and prosperity.”   

Pascrell, a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health hailed the budget’s emphasis on healthcare reform. 

“With exorbitant health care costs swelling the deficit, stressing business and hurting millions of American families, this budget emphasizes reform,” stated Pascrell.  “It will lower health care costs, improve quality and expand coverage.  I am also pleased by the common sense commitment it makes to the modest-income veterans who were banned by President Bush from enrolling in VA health care.”

“With $1.7 trillion in tax cuts for middle-income families and accounting for an AMT patch, this budget lays out a substantial tax relief plan for working class families.  The prospects for job creation made available through tax incentives in the budding clean energy industry offers the type of innovative policies that will put people to work and reinvigorate America’s economy.” 
 

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