Tipton Statement on President’s Budget Proposal

WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement following the release of the President’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2015. Since 2009, the U.S. debt has increased by $6.8 trillion.

“While I plan to carefully review the President’s budget proposal and hope to identify areas of common ground, at first glance, I am concerned that it grows government, fails to address the staggering national debt, and will further increase the income disparity that has become the hallmark of his presidency. The President’s proposal is more of the same—increased taxes, more debt, and bigger government. This status quo is what has created years of high unemployment, lower wages, a diminished workforce, uncertainty for businesses and a $17.3 trillion national debt crisis. The path to growing the economy, creating jobs, and increasing wages is not found through more federal spending, taxes on job creators and government mandates.

“Let’s instead give hardworking American families and businesses a fighting chance by expanding opportunities in the private sector rather than expanding the bureaucracy. It’s time Washington lives within its means just like American families do. We need to lower spending and create a leaner, smarter government to provide future generations with a balanced budget, a strong economy and a competitive edge that fosters prosperity and opportunity. Americans want more jobs—not more handouts and government in their lives.”

Highlights of the President’s Budget Proposal courtesy of the House Republican Conference:

• Increases spending by $791 billion over the budget window and adds $8.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade
• Quadruples the cost of paying the interest on the national debt over the next decade—from $223 billion this year to $812 billion by 2024
• Raises taxes by $1.8 trillion—approximately half of the revenues would be used for new spending rather than deficit reduction