Rep. Tsongas Issues Statement on President Trump’s Budget

WASHINGTON, May 23 -- Rep. Niki Tsongas, D-Mass., issued the following statement after President Trump released his budget:

"As the specifics materialize, we see that the White House has not changed its irresponsible approach to budgeting. I said it months ago when the President's budget framework was released, and I'll say it again today as we see the details filled in: President Trump's budget puts the future of our country at risk in myriad ways.

"From massive cuts to Medicaid to slashing critical programs like Meals on Wheels, the President's budget places a heavy burden on hardworking American families - many of whom are the President's own supporters. Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have already voiced serious concerns over many of the budget's proposals because of the direct, negative impact they would have on people in every corner of America.

"As we expected, this proposal prioritizes defense spending at the expense of other national priorities, like education, infrastructure, conservation, economic development, scientific research, diplomatic engagement and more. We must always ensure our servicemembers have the resources they need to be safe and successful, but our national security is put at risk if we undermine all other investments in our national competitiveness and the future of our country.

"Disturbingly, this budget highlights the President's effort to undermine our nation's current and future public health. Dismayingly deep cuts to Medicaid mean fewer health and education services to the families who need it most, including seniors in need of nursing home care and children with disabilities. And the major cuts to life-saving medical research at the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control would hamper disease prevention efforts and put roadblocks in the way of life-saving medical research and discovery. My family knows firsthand the priceless value of medical science and budget cuts such as the ones proposed today would put progress and lives in jeopardy.

"There are many other reckless and misguided aspects to this budget: the funding of the President's ineffective and expensive border wall; slashing the budget of the EPA, making our air and water less clean; and literally taking food out of the mouths of children and seniors by eliminating SNAP and Meals on Wheels benefits - to name a few.

"We would not be immune from this budget's impact here in Massachusetts, where many families receive essential health care reimbursed by Medicaid; the EPA assists communities with major economic development efforts; and our state economy thrives on innovation and research supported through agencies like the NIH. President Trump's reckless budget would hit home in our backyard fast and furious.

"America needs sustainable jobs, quality healthcare, competitive education initiatives, support for innovation, research and clean energy -- this budget promotes none of those things and would set our country off in the wrong direction."