U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted today in favor of the Democratic budget for Fiscal Year 2008 (H. Con. Res. 99) which passed the House by a vote of 216 to 210. The Senate passed their budget (S. Con. Res. 21) last week and the next step is for the two bills to be reconciled in conference committee. Larsen issued the following statement today:

"This budget is the ultimate achievement of the first 100 days of the new Congress. While the President's budgets have turned surpluses into deficits, our budget restores fiscal responsibility and balances the budget by 2012. This budget refocuses our resources on important national priorities. It makes middle class tax cuts a priority, including tax fairness for Washington state families. It provides resources to ensure that soldiers and veterans get the care they need and deserve. It invests in education for a 21st century workforce. And it expands health care for our children.

"As we move forward with the budget and other legislation that addresses federal spending, I will continue working for a new direction to make sure our efforts in Congress reflect the needs and values of Northwest Washington.

“I will help our small businesses and farms thrive by increasing access to capital and building a foundation for national and global competition. I will work to make sure local law enforcement has the resources they need to keep our communities safe and combat methamphetamine by strengthening prevention, treatment and education efforts.  I will fight to end hunger, especially for the most vulnerable among us. And I will work to bring veterans' health care and services closer to veterans.”

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