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CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT’S FY18 BUDGET REQUEST

May 23, 2017
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement concerning the release earlier today of President Donald Trump's Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Budget Request:
"Budgets reflect values. They reflect a prioritization of scarce resources, and are a signal of what an administration does and does not care about.
"In today's dangerous world, the President's FY18 Budget Request shows the administration rightfully values our national defense and military readiness. However, it is a mistake to simply support our national defense at the expense of our country's non-defense programs and agencies. Our non-defense programs directly support our nation's economic and social vibrancy. They support the health, education, and nutrition of our citizens, and our service members. If we do not invest in the non-defense side of the budget, our nation will be weaker, and our military less able to do its job.
"Unfortunately, instead of making America great, this budget, when taken as a whole, would make America starve. It seeks to slash much needed investments in agriculture, child and adult health, disease research, Social Security disability, nutrition assistance, before and after school programs, student aid and loan assistance, job training, economic and business development, housing assistance, and scientific and environmental research. This budget would cut flood and disaster assistance, and would dramatically reduce investments in desperately needed civil engineering projects.
"The proposed cuts included in this request would inhibit our nation's ability to innovate in an increasingly competitive world. These cuts would drastically curtail vital safety nets for our most vulnerable populations and would put the health of our children and seniors at risk. They would hurt the farmers that cultivate our food, and the inspectors that keep it safe.
"In summary, the President's FY18 Budget Request is inhumane. Fortunately, the President must ultimately work with Congress to pass a budget, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to craft a budget that, unlike what has been put forth by the President, actually reflects our priorities and values as Americans and strengthens our country."