Press Releases

U.S. Representative Don Beyer released the following statement today on the House Democratic Budget:

Last night the House passed the Republican budget. As anyone who has ever had to make payroll every week can tell you, budgets are critical tools that outline priorities and values. We need to draw a blueprint for progress and invest in working families. However, the House Republican budget jeopardizes our economic recovery and exposes middle class Americans to harmful cuts that only widen the inequality gap. We came to Congress to create opportunities for hard working Americans, not for special interests, and it is our job to ensure a secure financial future for all of our constituents, not just those with the deepest pockets.

Disappointingly, the Republican budget targets our federal workforce. Federal employees deserve a budget that does not undermine our commitment to them or their contribution to the American economy. The House Republican proposal to cut nearly $300 billion in pay and benefits from an already strained federal workforce is simply unjust. These hard working civil servants have already lived through years of Congressionally-imposed wage stagnation, sequestration cuts, pay freezes, and an almost constant threat of government shutdown. We will not achieve a deficit free future by choosing tax cuts over jobs; it is simply unfair to balance the budget on the backs of federal employees.

This week House Democrats introduced an alternative budget that strengthens our middle class families, improves our crumbling roads and bridges, and creates opportunities for success. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to support this budget that fairly compensates our federal workforce, invests in our infrastructure, and grows the middle class economy by helping Americans buy homes, send their kids to college, and retire with dignity.