Washington, D.C. – In advance of the House vote today on a five year budget conference agreement, Budget Committee member, U.S. Representative Allyson Schwartz delivered a vigorous speech on the House floor in support of the budget agreement.

Schwartz gave the following speech on the House floor to urge her colleagues to vote in favor of the budget.

“As a member of the House Budget Committee, I believe Congress has an obligation to move our country forward with sound, realistic fiscal policy and smart, forward-thinking investments to make America stronger, safer, and more secure.  

“I want to thank Chairman Spratt and the Democratic Leadership for their steadfast commitment to a spending blueprint that is fiscally sound and reflective of Americans’ priorities. 

“Our budget reflects the priorities of Americans, while balancing the budget by 2012 and without adding to our national debt.

“It ensures tax relief for middle class American families by committing to an immediate and a long-term fix to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

“And, it reflects our commitment to adequate, quality health care for all Americans by sustaining and strengthening health benefits for our veterans, seniors, children, and disabled; promoting innovation and medical research; and responsibly addressing growing costs, inefficiencies, and abuses in the system.

“This budget is a first step towards making our economy stronger, our country safer, and guiding us in a new direction – the right direction for building success for American businesses and American families in the future. I urge my colleagues to support its passage.”   

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