Washington, D.C.  — Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly voted against the Republican budget offered by Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.    

“Spending cuts are necessary, but the Ryan budget would do so at the expense of the most vulnerable Americans,” said Donnelly.  “This budget would turn Medicare into a voucher program, significantly increasing health care costs for seniors.  This budget would also cut the maximum Pell Grant by over $2,500—down to the lowest level since 1998—severely hurting students’ ability to access higher education.  Further, this budget would dangerously undermine the Medicaid program that provides healthcare to poor and disabled Americans.  For these and many other reasons, this budget is unacceptable.

I also opposed the budgets brought forth by Democratic members today because those budgets did not go far enough to make the spending reductions necessary to get our fiscal house in order.  There is a better balance we can strike—one that reduces spending yet does not hurt seniors, middle-class families, and those most in need.  I believe we must strive for economic growth and job creation while also putting in place a serious plan that reduces our deficits and shores up our long-term fiscal health.  I stand ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to achieve this goal.”

Rep. Ryan’s budget passed the House with a vote of 235 to 193.  It is now sent to the Senate for its consideration.

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