Tom Feeney's Statement on the President's Budget and $120 mil for Orlando VA Hospital

Rep. Tom Feeney's Statement on the President's Budget

$120 Million a Good Start for Orlando VA Hospital;

Urges Majority not to Raise Taxes and Support Earmark Reform

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Representative Tom Feeney (R-Oviedo) today released the following statement after the President submitted his $3 trillion FY 2009 budget request:

"I applaud many of the President's funding priorities in the 2009 budget that include border security initiatives and veterans programs. I'm also pleased that the President emphasized pro-growth, permanent tax relief that will spur long term prosperity and job growth.

"I hope Speaker Pelosi will adopt the President's long-term economic growth and sustainability plan. It would serve the American people well if Speaker Pelosi realizes that only permanent tax reductions on hardworking taxpayers and businesses create 'permanent income' that results in long term productivity, economic growth, and jobs. The Majority should also follow the lead of the President and fiscal conservatives in Congress and adopt earmark standards. I urge the Majority to sign the Earmark Reform Concurrent Resolution and offer hardworking taxpayers transparency and sunshine in the budget process.

"With a $3 trillion budget, it is obvious that fiscal conservatives will need to begin discussions on how to cut back on spending. I look forward to conversations on how to address the runaway entitlement programs that continue to haunt our children and grandchildren.

"The President's budget also meets many of Central Florida's needs including the Orlando VA Hospital. While $120 million that was included in the budget is a good start, the VA could use more to accelerate this much deserved hospital for our region's rapidly growing, but underserved veterans population," said Feeney.