Dreier Statement on President’s 2009 Budget

February 4, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), Rules Committee Ranking Republican, issued the following statement today on the Fiscal Year 2009 budget proposal President Bush has submitted to Congress:

“President Bush’s budget represents the starting point in the annual budget discussion.  This debate takes on even greater significance this year as we work to keep our economy on solid ground.  The President’s budget rightly makes tax relief permanent in order to provide stability to a volatile economic situation.  Right now, a tax increase would be the absolute worst thing for our economy, and I hope the Democrats don’t repeat their budget of last year, which included the largest tax increase in history to date.

“This budget also seeks to accomplish the important goal of balancing the budget in the next four years by keeping taxes low, curbing spending, and demanding accountability on earmarks.  Ensuring transparency in government spending is crucial to getting it under control.

"It’s my hope that this budget sets down a marker for pro-growth tax policy and responsible spending to play a central role in this year’s budget discussions.”