Sen. Carper Statement on President Trump’s Proposal to Slash Funding for Environmental, Public Health Protections

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -- Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., ranking Democratic member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement regarding President Trump's budget blueprint that promises to slash funding for agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency:

"Throughout his campaign, then-candidate Trump threatened to get rid of the EPA in almost every form. It was an outrageous statement then, but it is even more appalling that he is putting it into action now.

"Reckless cuts to the EPA - the agency responsible for protecting public health and our environment - are not what Americans voted for in November. They certainly did not ask for water that is less safe to drink or air that is less safe to breathe. But slashing funding for critical EPA protections will put people across this country at risk for illnesses or even premature death.

"This budget blueprint is proof that President Trump is not serious about keeping Americans safe or being fiscally responsible. The United States, the most powerful nation on earth, already spends more on our military than the next ten nations combined. Defense spending is important, but cannot come at the expense of children in Flint and so many other communities across the country who are in harm's way when they turn on their tap. Getting better results in government for less money requires thoughtful decision-making, not irresponsible, short-sighted cuts that will do far more harm than good."

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