Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after House Republicans, led by Rep. Paul Ryan, passed their misguided budget for Fiscal Year 2015.
"As someone who was raised in poverty, I know all too well about sitting around the kitchen table and having to make tough decisions. And it is even more difficult when you are setting the budget for the entire nation. But when you are sitting at your kitchen table the last items you cut are medical and prescription costs, education expenses, and the grocery bill. Unfortunately the Ryan Budget makes those cuts first by ending the Medicare guarantee as we know it, slashing Pell Grants, increasing out of pocket costs for seniors who purchase prescription drugs by reopening the donut hole, and eliminating small business tax breaks. Pulling the rug out from under seniors, students, working families, women and small business owners, while giving tax breaks to millionaires, is not the way to address the unsustainable deficit that our nation faces.
"I hear from folks every weekend when I am back in Iowa about how dysfunctional Congress is and the need to quit all the political posturing so we can actually focus on growing the economy and creating jobs. I could not agree more. At a time when so many people are still struggling, now is not the time to go after those who can least afford it. Americans deserve a budget that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and connected."
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