U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) said Tuesday that President Trump’s proposed budget for 2018 includes draconian cuts to health care, education and jobs.
Murray’s advice to Republicans in Congress: Ignore the Trump budget and work with Democrats on a proposal that helps all Americans, not just the wealthy.
Murray, Washington state’s senior senator, issued the following statement on Trump’s budget proposal Tuesday morning:
“If anyone is looking for a summary of the ways President Trump is trying to break his promises to workers and families while giving more taxpayer handouts to the wealthy and well-connected, they don’t have to look any further than this budget. I am hopeful that Congressional Republicans will do what they did with President Trump’s last budget request: ignore it and work with Democrats to invest in our workers, students, families and the economy.
“A budget is a statement of values and priorities, and this budget makes it very clear that President Trump doesn’t value students, workers, seniors, people with disabilities, or women — and prioritizes tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and biggest businesses over investments in the middle class and those who are working hard to join it.
“It also could not be clearer, if there was ever a doubt, that President Trump does not value or prioritize families’ ability to afford health care or stay covered — and that he and his administration will continue to sabotage the coverage and care that families depend on. People in Washington state and across the country have rejected this heartless and wrong-headed approach before, and I am going to be fighting by their side once again against a budget that would hurt millions of people while helping President Trump’s businesses, family and friends.
“President Trump is already threatening to shut down the government if Democrats and his fellow Republicans reject his demands once again, but I am hopeful that Republicans will put their country ahead of their embattled party leader and work with us to deliver results for the families we represent,” Murray said.