Hoyer Statement on House Republicans' Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2018

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after House Republicans released their budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2018:

"The budget proposal released by House Republicans today would do nothing to ‘build a better America.' Instead, their plan attacks our federal workforce by forcing dedicated federal employees to pay more for their retirement benefits. Additionally, the Republican proposal doubles down on cuts to Medicaid, underinvests in our education system and transportation needs, and pulls the rug out from Maryland families by gutting federal safety net programs. The budget proposed by House Republicans is too extreme, and would do irreparable harm to families throughout the Fifth District.

"The men and women who make up our federal workforce secure our borders, make certain our food is safe to eat, and ensure seniors in our communities receive their Social Security benefits. Continued attacks by House Republicans on hardworking federal employees, including in the Fiscal Year 2018 budget proposal, must not be tolerated.

"I will continue to stand up for our federal workforce, and urge my Republican colleagues to abandon their draconian budget proposal. Instead of trying to balance the budget on the backs of our federal workforce, Republicans should work with Democrats to come to a consensus on a sustainable budget that addresses the needs of the American people."