Sen. Carper Comments on President Obama’s 2013 Budget Proposal

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement in response to President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget proposal:

“One of my top priorities this year – which I share with President Obama – is to continue to support initiatives that spur job growth and create a nurturing environment where communities in Delaware and beyond can create a solid foundation for job creation and prosperity. I believe today’s budget proposal by the President is a responsible solution to ensure our continued economic recovery and long-term economic growth, providing for a brighter future for Delaware families.

“A critical piece of our job creation strategy must include reducing our federal debt, and today, the President called for a number of sensible proposals to reduce spending and curb the debt, while also making strategic investments to help grow our economy. At the top of President Obama’s budget proposal are targeted investments to grow more jobs beginning this year and to raise a generation ready for a 21st century workforce. To paraphrase John Chambers, the Chief Executive Officer of Cisco Systems, Inc., a world class infrastructure and a world class workforce are the keys to global success in the 21st century. President Obama’s budget focuses on the critical effort to create the 21st century infrastructure and world class workforce that America needs to compete and win in the global economy.

“Furthermore, it includes continued support for the renaissance of our nation’s manufacturing sector. In his proposal today, the President dedicates critical funding to spur more research and development, as well as incentives for industries that create jobs right here in America. Not only would these initiatives put Americans back to work, but they position our nation and emerging workforce for long-term economic success.

“President Obama’s proposal also continues our efforts to save money, reduce harmful air pollution, and improve our national security by reducing our nation’s reliance on foreign oil and encouraging the deployment of the next generation of clean energy and energy efficiency technologies. Initiatives such as doubling the share of electricity derived from clean energy sources like offshore wind and nuclear by 2035 and reducing buildings’ energy use by 20 percent by 2020 will help America achieve energy independence.

“The President’s budget calls for further consolidation and cuts of more than $7.5 billion of administrative overhead – something my Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management has long advocated. I am also encouraged by the Administration’s proposal to continue its efforts to transform the government’s use of information technology by lowering the cost of operations and streamlining services, as well as continuing to promote transparency of government information, program performance, and federal spending through the E-Gov Fund.

“Bringing balance to our federal budget will be difficult, requiring a shared sacrifice. From government agencies to corporations, we need to take a hard look at all of the options available to us – both in terms of raising revenue and reducing spending – and we all must share in the sacrifices required to rein in the deficit. As we work through the budgeting process, I will continue to look for input from Delawareans about how the federal government should curb our debt and deficit while continuing to invest in key priorities for the First State and for the nation. Our nation needs to shift from a ‘culture of spendthrift’ to a ‘culture of thrift,’ where we endeavor to look in every nook and cranny of the federal government for ways in which we can save and recover money and grow our economy. Everything I do I know I can do better. Similarly, the federal government can do better by making its operations more efficient and effective, saving scarce taxpayer dollars.”

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