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Smith: President Obama's Budget Relives Mistakes of the Past

February 14, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) issued the following statement in response to this morning's release of President Obama's FY 2012 Budget.

"Today, the President missed an opportunity to win the future by proposing a budget which fails to tackle the pressing economic and fiscal threats before our country. Instead of recommending a budget which addresses the serious challenges we face in the present, President Obama's relives mistakes of the past - spending too much, taxing too much, and borrowing too much.

"President Obama's budget would continue fueling uncertainty for job creators by imposing a $1.6 trillion tax hike and adding $13 trillion to the national debt. By hastening the road to bankruptcy, this budget ignores the demands of the American people and fails to consider the warning of economists. I look forward to working with my colleagues to help pave a new path for long-term economic stability which cuts spending, keeps taxes low, and reduces the size of government."

Each year the President submits a budget request to Congress, which includes funding requests for all federal executive departments and independent agencies. Then, both chambers of Congress draft resolutions for consideration and adoption.

    Key Facts from President Obama's Fiscal Year 2012 Budget:
  • - Spends Too Much
  • - $3.8 trillion in spending this year; 25.3% of GDP (highest since WWII)
  • - $46 trillion in spending over the decade; $8.7 trillion in new spending
  • - Taxes Too Much
  • - $1.6 trillion tax hike on families, small businesses, and job creators
  • - Revenues as a percent of GDP climb to 20%
  • - Borrows Too Much
  • - $1.6 trillion deficit for FY2012; a record third straight trillion dollar deficit
  • - Doubles and then triples debt held by the public since President took office
  • - $13 trillion added to the debt over the decade