05.23.17

Cantwell Statement on Trump Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration released its proposed budget:

“When you ask people in Washington state what their biggest concerns are, they’ll point to skyrocketing housing costs, Puget Sound clean-up, congested transportation infrastructure, and rising medical costs. President Trump’s budget proposal does not put forward reasonable solutions to any of these problems. Instead, the Trump budget attacks the very programs that address these critical issues, making deep cuts to agencies like the EPA, HUD, and DOT, while permanently cutting and capping the Medicaid program.  This budget shows a callous disregard for the problems that keep Washingtonians up at night.

“Further, the lack of resources dedicated to Western priorities such as water projects like the Yakima Basin Water Plan, salmon conservation, critical agricultural assistance for farmers and ranchers, public lands programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and wildfire prevention demonstrates a clear lack of understanding of the economic and environmental issues that affect Western states. Selling off our public infrastructure and raising Bonneville Power Administration rates only adds additional insult to injury.

“President Trump’s budget is also a threat to Hanford workers, the Tri-Cities, and the Columbia River. We must have full funding for Hanford cleanup – especially after the recent tunnel collapse. Any cuts would be not only irresponsible, but would undermine the federal government’s moral obligation to clean up Hanford.

This Administration’s reckless budget cannot be allowed to become law, and I intend to fight for a budget that moves every corner of our country forward. “

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