WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords released the following statement today on President Barack Obama's proposed budget outline for 2010.
The budget outline released today by President Obama offers a first look into the complete spending plan for the coming fiscal year that the Administration will release in April. I will be studying it closely in the weeks ahead.
While I am deeply troubled by the projected $1.75 trillion deficit, I appreciate the new effort to restrain spending, eliminate waste and increase efficiency at every level of the federal government. This represents a disciplined approach to financial stewardship that we have not seen for far too long.
Getting our economy back on track and laying the groundwork for a fiscally responsible future must be our top priority. Every member of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, should work with the Administration to help achieve these critical goals.
I applaud President Obama for the emphasis he is placing on health care, education and energy. In addition to these three areas, I am pleased the Administration recognizes that, even in this difficult economy, we cannot waiver in our commitment to strengthening border security. The proposed $42.7 billion DHS budget includes funding to support 20,000 Border Patrol agents and $1.4 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement programs to ensure that illegal immigrants who commit crimes are quickly identified and deported.
The budget process is just beginning. I encourage every one of my constituents to become engaged. Go to the Office of Management and Budget website, http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb, review the budget outline and let me know your views. The best way to contact me is by logging on to my website, http://www.giffords.house.gov/contact.