Rep. Calvert Statement on Biden Budget
Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42), the Ranking Republican on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement after President Biden submitted his fiscal year 2023 budget request to Congress:
"President Biden's budget request doubles down on the inflationary agenda that is causing prices to rise across our economy. By proposing an additional $1.4 trillion in new spending, the President is ignoring the devastating effects his out-of-control spending is having in America. To make matters even worse, President Biden wants to raise taxes by $2.5 trillion just as our country is recovering from the pandemic and struggling with inflation. Congress should reject these radical tax and spend policies.
While the President does not hesitate to increase spending on social programs, which, combined with interest on the debt, account for almost 85% of all federal outlays*, he once again shortchanges national security. The President's proposed budget for our national security marks a slight improvement from last year's austere proposal, but we must ensure the real dollar, after inflation, funding levels rise to the levels necessary to address our many defense challenges. As Russia rages war against a European democracy and China's military strengthens, the United States cannot afford to fail by falling behind in our national security investments. I'm also concerned about the impact inflation is having on our servicemembers and their ability to provide for their families.
We have seen what happens when America projects weakness; it's vital that the Democratic leaders in Congress and the Appropriations Committee avoid the missteps of last fiscal year and begin this year's appropriations process by soundly rejecting calls from progressives to cut military funding. The only bipartisan path forward is robust funding to meet our national security needs and signal to the world that America will continue to be the leader of the free world."
* Source: https://media4.manhattan-institute.org/sites/default/files/BudgetChartBook-2021-FINAL.pdf (slide 33).
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