Hoyer Statement on President Obama’s FY 2015 Budget Proposal
WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after President Barack Obama announced his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2015: “The President’s budget released today reflects important priorities for the state of Maryland and our nation – increasing economic opportunity promoting job growth and strengthening our national security while addressing our long-term fiscal sustainability. It also makes important investments in the Fifth District. His budget proposes funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the Purple Line which will expand the capacity of America’s subway to meet the growing transportation needs of our region. “It also includes funding for world-class federal facilities and military installations in the Fifth District including funding for the construction of a new research facility in the Advanced Energetics Research Lab Complex at Indian Head and funding for the Atlantic Test Range at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. The budget also fully funds the James Webb Telescope at Goddard Space Flight Center and maintains its 2018 launch date. Additionally the budget makes important investments in early childhood education and reflects a commitment to cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and restoring our oyster population. “I’m also pleased that the President’s budget proposal honors the principle of pay parity by including a 1% pay increase for both uniformed personnel and civilian federal employees. However after contributing $120 billion toward deficit reduction in the form of pay freezes and pension cuts the gap between federal and private sector salaries has widened substantially. It’s important that Congress recognize the critical contributions federal employees make to our nation by addressing that widening gap. Federal employees including the 62 000 that live in the Fifth District deserve better and I will continue to advocate on their behalf. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to implement the policies included in President Obama’s budget and ensure adequate funding for investments that will grow our economy create jobs and expand opportunity here in the Fifth District and throughout the country.”