FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 11, 2004

CONTACT: Stacey Farnen 202-225-3130

HOYER: REPUBLICAN BUDGET IS THE REAL MARCH MADNESS

Confusion in Committee Shows GOP has Little Confidence in Own Budget Choices

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement regarding the fiscal year 2005 House Republican Budget:

“The Republican’s fiscal year 2005 budget is the real March Madness this month and the American people should pay close attention.

“It should worry every American that Republicans have trimmed the President’s request for Homeland Security needs.  That is the last place that we should look for money to trim the Republican deficit.

“It should also worry every American that Republicans are again poised to completely abandon fiscal responsibility.  It appears that they will continue to act as if they need only pay attention to how much we invest in education and healthcare, and not how much we spend on tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.  In the 1990s, Democrats helped balance the budget and usher in an economic boom because we dealt honestly with both sides of the ledger. 

“The confusion in the House Budget Committee’s markup of the Republican budget is evidence of how little confidence Republicans have in the choices they are making for the American people. 

"I hope that the Republican budget that arrives on the House Floor in the coming days will be a credible document that speaks to America’s priorities. However, if Republicans continue on their present path, Democrats will be united in their opposition.”

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