(Washington, D.C) The House of Representatives passed the largest budget in U.S. history today that spends $3.6 trillion dollars this year alone. The deficit for the fiscal year will be over $1,000,000,000,000. U.S. Congressman Sam Graves voted against the budget citing his concerns that the government must act to reign in spending.

“Instead of making tough choices, this budget simply increases taxes, spending and borrowing,” said Graves. “We are asking our grandchildren to pay for our spending because Washington refuses to make any choices.”

The budget road map will double the national debt in five years and triple it in 10 years. It would increase taxes by $574 billion over the next five years. The plan brings back the Death Tax which was on track to be eliminated and would hike taxes on some small business owners.

“We cannot tax and spend our way into prosperity,” said Graves. “In fact, increasing taxes during a recession will only hurt Missouri families who are trying to make ends meet.”

Graves supported an alternative budget that would have slowed the explosion of federal spending, without raising taxes. It proposed a five year freeze on discretionary spending while prioritizing national defense and veteran’s healthcare. It would also make the 2001 and 2003 middle class tax relief permanent, while seeking to reform the complicated tax code. Under this plan, debt held by the public is $3.6 trillion less during the budget period.

“We need to return fiscal sanity to Washington,” said Graves. “This budget taxes too much, borrows too much and spends too much. There is a better way.”

The House passed its version of the budget on a 233-196 vote.

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