WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement in reaction to President Obama’s fiscal year 2017 budget request:
“The President’s final budget is clearly about promoting his liberal legacy instead of securing America’s financial future. Why is he wasting his last opportunity in office to tackle the real challenges facing our country? While a $3.4 trillion tax increase and $2.5 trillion in new spending over the next decade might please very liberal voters, they will only make life more expensive for the vast majority of Americans. This document will not prevent American jobs from moving overseas, Medicare from going bankrupt, and healthcare spending from continuing to rise.
“Later this week, Ways and Means Republicans will have an opportunity to speak with Secretaries Burwell and Lew about this budget. We’re going to express our concerns on specific proposals, including the President’s new oil tax that will drive up energy bills and destroy jobs.
“And we’ll continue to make sure Americans understand that Ways and Means Republicans are working aggressively on real solutions to their problems. We are committed to moving forward with a positive agenda that will grow our economy and help all Americans achieve their dreams of a better life for their families.”
BACKGROUND:
Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell will testify at the Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday, February 10th at 2:00 PM.
Secretary of Treasury Jack Lew will testify at the Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, February 11th at 10:00 AM.