Washington, D.C. -  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced the Democrats’ fiscal year 2009 federal budget conference report, S.Con.Res. 70, which set in motion the largest tax increase in American history -- $683 billion over the next five years.  In response, U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.), Ranking Member on the House Ways and Means Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee, released the following statement:

 “At a time when American families are being forced to battle record food and gasoline prices, it is absolutely absurd for Congress to even attempt to raise taxes.  By requiring more than $680 billion in new revenue through tax increases, this ill conceived budget will clobber an already fragile economy and undercut the benefits of tax policies that have long helped the middle-class.

 “This budget turns a blind eye to the economic challenges of our country and fails to fully meet the needs of the American people. Instead of continuing to hold millions of middle-class taxpayers hostage to record tax increases, Congress ought to embrace a budget compromise that will hold down spending and keep our country on a course of solid growth, stronger job markets and falling deficits.”

 Despite budgetary concerns expressed from both sides of the aisle, S.Con. Res. 70 passed the House floor by a vote of 214 to 210.

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