Washington -- U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) today released the following statement regarding President Bush's Fiscal Year 2008 budget proposal, which was released this morning:

"Above all, I must stress that the President’s budget proposal is just that – a proposal. I will work with my colleagues in the House in the coming months to ensure the budget is as lean as possible while adequately funding Wyoming’s priorities.  In a budget so massive it will costs taxpayers almost $3 trillion, there is absolutely no reason rural America should be left in the dark.   

"As the President said today himself, America is a nation of opportunity.  His proposed budget presents an opportunity to balance the budget by 2012, and to do so without raising taxes.  I echo the President’s call to restore order and discipline to our fiscal house and keep our economy strong.  Congress must continue to support pro-growth policies that promote job growth and help tax-paying families keep more of the money they earn. 

"I continue to stand behind efforts to defeat the terrorist forces to seek to destroy peace and democracy in America and around the world.  The President’s budget ensures the men and women of our Armed Forces will have the tools and reinforcements they need to achieve victory in the Global War on Terror. 

"I applaud the President’s call to reign in entitlement spending.  Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are Federal programs from which millions of Americans benefit.  But they are too costly.  Over half of the President’s budget – $1.5 trillion – is mandated for entitlement spending.   If Congress does not heed his call to fiscal responsibility and slash the growth of these entitlements, we will face either a massive raise in taxes or a massive cut in benefits.  I hope our Democrat colleagues will join us and act now to protect the solvency of these programs."