Casten Statement on House Budget Resolution
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement after voting against the House budget resolution:
“The budget resolution considered by the House today could extend the 2017 Republican tax plan, giving a $314,266 average annual tax cut for the top 0.1% of the wealthiest Americans. It allows for defunding the IRS which, according to the Congressional Budget Office, would add $114 billion to the federal deficit and make it easier for billionaires known for being convicted of fraud to further their reputation as tax cheats.
“It directs the Committee on Energy and Commerce – which is responsible for Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security – to find $880 billion in spending cuts to the programs it oversees. It allows for $230 billion in cuts to food assistance programs.
“In the 6th Congressional District, 23,000 people who receive coverage under the Affordable Care Act would see their average premium go up by over $1,000 per year. Over 80,000 people in my district on Medicaid would be at risk of losing their health insurance. SNAP benefits, relied on by over 25,000 people in the 6th District to put food on their table, would be threatened.
“In other words, it puts the health care and food access of the American people in harm’s way, all because Donald Trump wants to give a $4.5 trillion tax cut to the wealthiest Americans.
“I was proud to vote hell no on this resolution.”
Earlier today, Rep. Casten, a member of the Joint Economic Committee, spoke on the House floor during debate on the budget resolution. A video of his remarks can be found here.
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