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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2008
Contact: OMB Communications, 202–395–7254

Republican Budget Alternatives Support President’s Principles
Preventing Tax Increases, Keeping Spending in Check, Addressing Long–Term Challenges

Washington, DC — Today, OMB Director Jim Nussle issued the following statement on the needed budget alternatives being offered by House and Senate Republicans.

“Republicans are offering needed alternatives to the budget which will ensure that taxes remain low for American families and job–creators.  At a time when our economy is facing challenges, Congressional Democrats are imposing the largest tax increase in history, which will stunt economic growth, business investment and job creation.  Their budget would result in tax hikes on the middle class, which they plan to use as a ticket for billions more on the government expansion express.

“Republicans are also offering needed alternatives that will keep domestic spending in check, prevent tax increases and put an earmark moratorium in place.  By contrast, Congressional Democrats are driving up domestic spending by at least $22 billion more and include no attempt to curb the out–of–control earmarking practice.  This move jeopardizes balancing the budget and indicates Congressional Democrats missed the memo that the American people are fed up with business as usual in Washington, D.C.

“Finally, our children and grandchildren will face grave choices if nothing is done to address the unsustainable growth in entitlement programs.  Republicans are offering needed alternatives that responsibly address this serious budget challenge.  By contrast, Congressional Democrats have stuck their head in the sand – passing the buck once again to the next Congress and the next generation.”

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