WASHINGTON – U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) today made the following statement regarding the House Republicans’ “Path to Prosperity” budget proposal for fiscal year 2012:

“Since the U.S. Congress failed to act last year on either a budget or spending bills to fund the government for the balance of the current fiscal year, we are facing a government shutdown on Friday. The House of Representatives has acted responsibly by passing a funding bill that would not only fund the government, but also makes necessary cuts to begin addressing the fiscal crisis the federal government faces. At the same time the Senate has failed to pass any long term solutions to keep the government operating.

“While I hope we can avert a shutdown, that hope is fading. This week the House may consider another short term spending bill that would fund our armed forces for the remainder of the fiscal year, cut another $12 billion from the overall budget and keep the government operating for another week in the hope that a long term spending plan can be adopted. I believe this would be a responsible move that protects our troops in harm’s way while continuing to reduce spending. Unfortunately, the indications from the President and the Senate are that they will not take up this legislation. As a result I have directed my staff to use the guidance put forward by the House Administration Committee to begin preparing for a potential government shutdown.

“It is important that the Senate and the President join the House in the effort to conclude the process of responsibly funding the government for the balance of this year so that we can move on to the important work of developing a long term budget plan that addresses the immense fiscal challenges facing our nation. Today, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan put forward just such a plan. While the spending bills we have been considering would cut spending this year by about $61 billion, the Ryan budget blueprint would reduce spending by more than $6.2 trillion over the next ten years and reduce the deficit by more than $4.4 trillion. This budget accomplishes these goals by tackling the real issues that are driving our debt and deficits ever higher, out-of-control discretionary spending and entitlement programs which are desperately in need of reform.

“Continuing business as usual and kicking the can down the road is the recipe for fiscal calamity and can go on no longer. We must make every effort to make certain that we protect and defend Social Security, Medicare and our social safety net for this and future generations. This budget makes no changes to Social Security for this or current generations, but does put in place triggers that will demand action if the fiscal situation becomes unsustainable. It also keeps Medicare as is for current recipients and those 55 and older who are approaching retirement, but puts in place needed changes to make certain that Medicare is protected for those age 54 and under. It also reforms Medicaid by giving states block grants to address their unique populations and concerns instead of a one size fits all model sent down by Washington. We must also begin moving in this prudent direction to reduce the deficit and pay off our national debt.

“This proposed budget is a true path to prosperity and in order to begin traveling down that path we must first conclude the business left unfinished by the last Congress. The time to act is now and I hope that President Obama and the Senate will come to their senses and join us in getting this work done.”

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