May 05, 2015

Manchin Votes No on Budget Resolution

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on his vote against the budget resolution.

“Since I have been in the Senate, I have insisted that we pass a sensible budget – one that takes a balanced approach to reducing our national debt and protecting the programs many West Virginians depend on every day. I voted against this budget because it fails to strike that balance. Instead, this unrealistic budget would cut vital health care and education funding for West Virginians while increasing spending on never-ending wars in the Middle East. While I support cutting spending and reforming entitlements, we must also reform our broken tax code, close corporate loopholes, and ensure everyone pays their fair share.

“By completely repealing the Affordable Care Act, this budget would also eliminate health insurance for 130,000 West Virginians and increase prescription drug costs for our seniors by over $1,000. Although the Affordable Care Act must continue to be reformed, repealing it altogether is irresponsible and wrong. Additionally, this budget takes a hit on our West Virginia students by making cuts to Pell Grants, Title I funds for low income schools in West Virginia and another $6.2 million cut in special education grants to West Virginia schools. It also reduces funding for much needed food assistance programs in West Virginia.

“The bottom line is that we need to set our priorities based on our values. It’s time to get serious and develop a budget that funds our priorities, invests in programs that benefit our country, and starts rebuilding American infrastructure. This budget certainly does not do that.”

###