Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) released the following statement after the President released a budget proposal for fiscal year 2020 that expands the deficit and military spending while proposing cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and other domestic programs. The budget proposal released today includes vague funding references to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which critically needs full funding to protect these treasured natural resources for future generations.
“The President’s budget proposal released today is not the direction the country needs to be going. Escalating the deficit while making cuts to critical programs such as Medicare and Medicaid don’t make us more competitive and hurts people.
“Every American has the right to quality, affordable healthcare. Medicare and Medicaid are life-saving programs that fulfill that promise. Our seniors are already struggling to afford their medications and long-term care. Calling for hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts – which the President promised not to touch – makes it harder for Americans to live healthy lives with dignity. It’s wrong and I’ll fight these cuts with every ounce of my being.
“Democrats and Republicans in Congress agree supporting our military and national security is our number one job. We can make smart, effective budget investments that recognize America’s strength and greatness beyond just our military strength and building walls that stand as symbols of division. Congress repeatedly rejected the President’s request for billions for a boarder wall. Then he attempted to circumvent Congress’ power of the purse by declaring a national emergency to divert money away from other military constructions. Military readiness is making sure our nation remains competitive includes educating our children, job training for workers, protecting the environment, and keeping our society healthy. This blueprint ignores children and hard-working Americans.
“Now it is our job in the Congress to come together as Democrats and Republicans. We can and must put together a budget and statement of values that reflects everything that makes our country great and puts the government to work for the people.”
