"I am pleased that the Congress has come together and passed a budget resolution that returns our nation to the path toward fiscal responsibility, invests in infrastructure and clean energy, and eases the tax burden on the middle class. After the failed policies of the Bush years, this budget resumes the course toward the budget surpluses and economic prosperity of the 1990s. This budget takes important steps to protect America’s economic and national security by creating jobs and strengthening critical programs for our children, seniors, veterans and troops, and working families, while making necessary investments in a strong and sensible national defense. The responsible tax relief for middle class families included in this budget such as the marriage penalty fix, the enhanced child tax credit, the tax relief for our nation’s fighting men and women, and for veterans, and another year of AMT relief will help working Americans throughout our Nation while not adding to the deficit.
I am particularly pleased that several provisions I introduced will be included in this budget. Though the President has repeatedly attempted to slash funding for 9/11 health, this budget creates a reserve fund to address the long-term health care needs of those exposed to the environmental hazards of 9/11. I will continue to fight on behalf of these heroes from New York and across the country until they have the support and resources they need.
I am proud of additional support for two of my initiatives to expand health care access to our most vulnerable. This year’s budget includes funding for The Lifespan Respite Care Act, which I sponsored with Senator John Warner (R-VA) and was signed into law in 2006; it will increase the availability of respite care services for family caregivers of special needs individuals. Additionally, the budget creates a reserve fund to expand access to medical services for low-income individuals with HIV, a measure based on the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which I introduced.
This budget addresses the economic challenges that we are facing today and takes long-term steps to reverse the disastrous policies of the Bush Administration. We cannot afford more of the same, and this budget resolution will put America’s fiscal and economic policy back on the right track.”
