WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) delivered the following opening statement at a Committee markup of Views and Estimates on the Fiscal Year 2017 Federal Budget:

“Our first order of business is the Committee’s Views and Estimates of the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2017. We are operating on an accelerated timeline for considering this letter this year, as the Budget Committee has requested our thoughts by the end of this week.

“Our Views and Estimates letter is an excellent reminder that the work our Committee does directly impacts the economy and the life of every single American.

“As we discussed yesterday, we cannot settle for the slow growth status quo of the Obama economy.

“Today, our letter provides more detail on how we are moving forward with a pro-growth agenda that will help our country achieve its potential.

“We’re working to reform our welfare programs, improve our healthcare system, and strengthen Social Security.

“We are also providing more information on our efforts to reduce our debt, fix our broken tax code and make it easier for American companies to sell our products overseas.

“The letter we are sending today clearly communicates how we are taking action on all policy fronts to grow our economy and help the American people.

“At this time, I would like to recognize Mr. Levin or his designee for a statement on the Views and Estimates.”