McCollum Statement on President’s 2016 Budget Request

Washington, DC – President Barack Obama today announced a $3.99 trillion request to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2016. The proposal prioritizes investments in education, infrastructure construction, workforce development, and national security. President Obama’s plan would reduce the federal budget deficit, end mandatory across the board budget cuts, and increase taxes on the profits of multinational corporations and the wealthiest Americans.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) released the following statement in response to the President’s proposal:

“President Obama has sent Congress a plan that is focused on strengthening the economy for middle class Americans while reducing the federal deficit and investing in rebuilding our infrastructure. I strongly support ending across the board budget cuts – sequestration – which is stopping lifesaving health research and damaging the preparedness of our servicemen and women. This is a budget that raises taxes on foreign profits to pay for infrastructure here at home that will create jobs and strengthen our economy.

“As the congressional budget process moves forward, I will work with the President and my Democratic colleagues to protect the middle class. I am very concerned that Tea Party Republicans will threaten retirement security for our seniors and make cuts to critical investments for our children, our environment, and our economy. Such an abandonment of middle-class priorities needs to be rejected by Democrats and, if necessary, vetoed by President Obama.

“It is my hope that Republicans and Democrats will work together to end sequestration and pass appropriations bills for fiscal year 2016 that put the needs of middle class Americans, our economy, and our national security ahead of any partisan agenda.”