FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 1996
CONTACT: Dana Hagerty 202/225-2165
WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) this week voted against the compromise budget resolution, saying that it spends $14.5 billion more than what Congress said it would spend last year.
“This budget is a fraud, and even the Republicans are beginning to admit it,” Peterson said. “Nineteen of them, including one from Minnesota, recognized this budget for what it is, and voted against it. Seventeen of those nineteen Members voted for the budget last month.”
The budget projects increased deficits of $153 billion in 1997 and $147 billion in 1998, up from a deficit of $130 billion in 1996.
“I think this close vote actually reinforces what those of us in The Coalition have been saying all along -- it makes no sense to cut taxes before the budget is balanced and the American people know it,” Peterson continued. “The Republican budget actually increases the deficit next year and puts off most of the real spending cuts until the year 2000. In contrast, the conservative Blue Dog Democrats’ plan balances the budget by 2002, and does it with $150 billion less in borrowed money than the Republican plan.
“Maybe if we can vote on this a few more times, the Republicans will admit that we are right and adopt the Coalition’s budget.