House Republicans' Budget Makes it Harder for American Families to Get Ahead

Leader's Report
For Immediate Release:
2015-03-20T00:00:00
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP

This week, House Republicans’ unveiled their budget resolution for Fiscal Year 2016. Instead of making the tough choices needed to invest in our nation's future, House Republicans’ budget is a repeat of the same unrealistic, unworkable vision that they have put forward in previous years. Their proposal continues the dangerous sequester for domestic spending this year before dramatically cutting $759 billion below this already unrealistic level over the next decade. At the same time, they use a gimmick to pretend they are keeping defense spending at sequester levels – even though they aren’t. Instead of this irresponsible approach, we need to replace the entire sequester – on both defense and non-defense spending – and make investments needed to strengthen national security and address domestic priorities like research, education, and infrastructure. 

Unfortunately, House Republicans also took action this week to undermine the important role the National Labor Relations Board plays in addressing disputes both for workers and for employers. When we protect workers rights, employees have the opportunity to organize for higher wages and benefits like health insurance, retirement savings, and affordable childcare, which makes for a stronger middle class and a growing economy. The NLRB works hard to ensure union representation elections are fair and held in a timely fashion, and House Democrats unanimously voted against Republicans’ partisan bill.

Lastly, as we mark the fiftieth anniversary of the beginning of the Selma-to-Montgomery Civil Rights March today, we remember the brave men and women who marched for justice and equality and honor their legacy by rededicating ourselves to protecting voting rights. This week, I was pleased to join with over 170 of my Democratic colleagues, including civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis, Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn, Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, and Rep. Robert Brady, to reintroduce the Voter Empowerment Act to help ensure equal access to the ballot for every eligible voter. As we continue to promote justice and fairness for all, I will also continue to urge Senate Republicans to stop delaying the confirmation of Loretta Lynch as Attorney General. In order to give the Justice Department the stable leadership it needs to protect Americans, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell needs to bring Loretta Lynch’s nomination to the Floor for a vote.

Sincerely yours,

P.S. Please invite your friends and family to sign up for this newsletter to learn about what House Democrats are doing to lead America in a new direction. You can also get the latest updates and join the conversation on my Facebook and Twitter accounts.

DEMOCRATIC NEWS UPDATE

On House Republicans' FY 2016 Budget