WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement following today’s votes on two proposed long-term federal spending measures.
“This week, the Congressional Budget Office reported the federal government’s largest monthly deficit in our nation’s history — $223 billion. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need to rein in out-of-control federal spending. Unfortunately, the partisan proposals considered by the Senate today do not represent a realistic approach to addressing our nation’s fiscal imbalances.
“The Democrats’ proposed spending bill that calls for only $4.7 billion in cuts simply is not a realistic starting point. It represents a lost opportunity for the President to demonstrate leadership by working with Congressional leaders to develop a funding bill that would put the federal government on a path toward lower deficits. I am disappointed that the President failed to lead. Indeed, his budget proposal would make the fiscal crisis worse.
“Let me be clear that I strongly oppose some of the proposed cuts in the House-passed bill, particularly the drastic cuts that would disproportionally affect low-income families and seniors. Making such deep and immediate cuts to critical low-income heating assistance, weatherization, and Head Start programs in the middle of the fiscal year would cause serious problems for those who rely on these programs.
“I am left with a choice between a proposal that doesn’t go nearly far enough and one that makes many wrong choices. It has long been apparent that neither proposal had the 60 votes required to pass. It is frustrating that, instead of sitting down and negotiating a serious proposal, we are forced to vote solely to “send a message.”
“Instead of sending messages, Congress must take meaningful action to show the American taxpayers that we hear them when they say that Washington needs to curb its reckless spending.
“I am hopeful that Congress and the Administration will now begin serious, bipartisan negotiations on a long-term funding bill that makes responsible cuts and takes into account our national priorities. And the President must be a committed leader of these negotiations by offering a realistic proposal that forcefully limits spending.
“One thing we can all agree on is that we simply cannot continue on this reckless, unsustainable course. Negotiations should focus on identifying and eliminating wasteful spending and ending duplicative programs, such as those outlined in a recent Government Accountability Office report, but also on maintaining programs that are successful and cost-effective.
“Congress must do what all American families do when they huddle at the kitchen table to deal with financial difficulties – make the tough choices. We must do the same, for today and for the generations to come.”
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