Yesterday, Congressman Henry Cuellar joined his colleagues in the House and Senate in passing the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Resolution.  The budget invests in America’s priorities, returns to ‘pay as you go’ principles, reduces the deficit, and balances the budget in just five years.

The Budget Resolution is a return to fiscal responsibility and accountability.  It has been praised by major nonpartisan budget and fiscal watchdog groups.  There are no tax increases in the Budget Resolution; in fact, it accommodates tax relief for middle class families and provides generously for veterans programs and children’s healthcare.

“I am proud that we were able to pass a balanced budget that reflects our top priorities.  We have listened to what the American people want and what is important to our communities.  In return, we have produced a budget that delivers on those issues,” said Cuellar.

The budget provides for increased funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  SCHIP will receive an increase of $50 billion, allowing millions of uninsured children to receive healthcare.  The $6.7 billion increase in spending for the VA represents the largest increase in the department’s 77-year history.

The budget also allocates money for the 9/11 Commission recommendations and accommodates more homeland security funding.  Other vital programs will receive increased financial support, including Head Start and No Child Left Behind. 

The passage of the budget also paves the way for Congress to begin work on the 2007 Farm Bill.  As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Cuellar will make sure that the interests of Texas are well-represented in this important legislation.

“The people spoke out in the 2006 elections, demanding a new direction for our country.  We promised to deliver that change and the budget takes a significant step towards fulfilling that goal.  The people of Texas expect and deserve a government that is responsive to their needs while being responsible.  This is exactly what my colleagues and I delivered,” said Cuellar.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.
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