Statement from Congressman Gibbs After Voting Against Budget Deal

WASHINGTON, DC – After voting against the Bipartisan Budget Act, Congressman Bob Gibbs released the following statement:

“This afternoon, I voted against a budget proposal that increases spending above the sequester.  Since the Budget Control Act was passed in 2011, the House has made significant progress in cutting discretionary spending.

This budget deal has funding mechanisms that allow agencies like the EPA to increase their fines on American citizens and companies. This will only encourage federal agencies to levy more fines and penalties to suit their political agendas.  Additionally, we cannot continue a shell game with Social Security and Disability Insurance. Moving money from one pot to another does nothing to ensure long-term solvency of either program.

The House has passed a majority of the spending bills this year. We have gone through the committee and amendment process to do the people’s work. Once again, we are at an eleventh hour debate and are expected to bend to the will of the Senate minority because of their self-imposed sixty-vote rule. The House, which has done its job, should not accept those terms.”

###