Kilmer Statement on President Trump's Budget Proposal
Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Vice-Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, issued a statement on President Trump’s 2018 budget proposal.
“This proposal is irresponsible and unserious,” said Kilmer. “It’s irresponsible because of the damage it would do to the folks I represent and to our economy. I’m all about jobs. But the Trump budget would hurt our ability to prepare folks for the workforce -- cutting financial aid, job training programs, and funding to help kids make it to graduation. His budget blueprint undermines key tools for business growth, cutting the Small Business Administration’s small business loan programs and investments in roads, bridges, and wastewater that help our competitiveness. The 3,200 people in our region who work in the shellfish industry will be impacted by cuts to Puget Sound funding and clean water programs. Folks on the Olympic Peninsula would be hurt by cuts to the rural ag extension office and by the complete elimination of funding for coastal assistance and support for small, rural airports that are important to our economy.”
“On top of that, the Trump budget is unserious. It relies on gimmicks – giving a bunch of tax breaks to special interests and the rich and making absolutely no progress in the effort to address our long-term fiscal challenges as a country. I would encourage the President to go back to the drawing board. As Vice Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee I’m going to fight against this proposal and work for a responsible budget that actually addresses our deficit and provides stability for working Americans and their families.”