Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Cuellar joined a majority in the House of Representatives in support of a new fiscally responsible budget plan that will strengthen the economy and make America safer. The budget for Fiscal Year 2009 was approved by a vote of 212-207.

The budget resolution complies with the House pay-as-you-go rule that requires all mandatory spending and revenue provisions to be deficit-neutral. While adhering to the pay-go rule, the budget does not raise taxes by one penny and will reach a balance by 2012.

The budget invests in proven programs that boost economic growth, create jobs, make America safer, promote fiscally responsible tax relief to millions of households, and help families struggling to make ends meet in an economic downturn. The budget provides robust funding for our national defense; provides $3.6 billion above baseline for Veterans Health Care; includes $50 billion for expansion of SCHIP, to the extent it is fully offset; provides a $7.1 billion increase for education.

“Making America safer and strengthening our economy are the American people’s priorities. Our budget rebuilds America in a way that makes a significant difference in people’s day-to-day lives while reducing the deficit,” said Cuellar. “Sufficient funds for high-impact programs in education, infrastructure, energy, and innovation will ensure a prosperous nation for future generations.”

For more information from the House Committee on the Budget, click here.

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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.