Washington, Feb 4, 2008 -

Congressman John Carter (R-Texas), House Conference Secretary, made the following statement today after President Bush submitted his budget to Congress.

“The budget released by the President today is a good starting point for a bipartisan discussion that should balance the budget by keeping taxes low and wasteful government spending in check.  

“I am pleased to see that the President’s budget keeps border security and national security at the top of his priority list and addresses the growing problem of entitlement spending. Last year the Majority party failed to address entitlement spending which is quickly draining our country.  Congress must produce a budget that addresses entitlement spending programs now before they swallow every bit of our government resources.

“Republicans and Democrats will soon come to the floor and pass a budget for the coming year.  The stark contrast between the two plans will be how we go about cutting the deficit-by either raising taxes or cutting wasteful government spending.  You can bet that I will be fighting against raising taxes because I believe that the American family is feeling squeezed.  Middle class families are facing lower home values, increased mortgage costs, higher energy costs and higher fuel costs.  The last thing working families need is a larger tax burden.”