DeGette Responds To President's 2009 Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette (D-CO) today offeredthe following comments on President Bush's 2009 Budget Proposal:

"The priorities reflected in President Bush's 2009 budget proposal donot reflect the priorities of the American people. Americans deserve abudget that helps them meet real life needs -- a budget based onreality.

"The President's budget is misguided -- with prices rising and oureconomy slowing, the President slashes health care for seniors andworking families, freezes potentially-lifesaving medical research,raises health care costs for veterans, and cuts energy assistance. Onceagain, the President calls for an increase in military funding toconduct his failed war in Iraq.

"With renewable energy technology at the forefront of our new economy,the President makes critical cuts to the National Renewable EnergyLaboratory (NREL) budget. This not only hurts Coloradoans, butAmericans nationwide who want to achieve energy independence.

"The Democratic Majority will restore the priorities of the Americanpeople by making critical investments to strengthen our economy andcreate jobs, helping Americans struggling with the skyrocketing costsof health care, energy, and groceries, while holding the Presidentaccountable for his disastrous war in Iraq."