Patty Murray: “over the last 8 years, we learned what a difference a responsible budget can make. We learned it starts with the basics…”

“over the last 8 years, we learned what a difference a responsible budget can make. We learned it starts with the basics, like using real numbers and not ``betting the farm'' on rosy projections. We learned that if we invest in the American people and their needs, our country and our economy will benefit. We learned that we need to be fiscally responsible. That means making tough choices and holding the line on deficit spending. And we learned that we have to work together to get things done. The last eight years have shown us that if we follow those lessons: using real numbers, investing in our people, meeting our needs, being fiscally responsible, and working together, we CAN turn deficits into surpluses, and we can transform the American economy into a job-creating machine. Today, there is a new President in office. There is a new Congress. And there are new economic challenges as our economy slows and an energy crisis grows. The times are different, but the lessons are the same. This isn't the time to throw away the handbook we've used for the past eight years. It's time to follow the lessons it offers. Unfortunately, the Administration and the Republican leadership are running in the opposite direction. And I fear that they will repeat the same mistakes of the past, mistakes that we are just now getting over. The Republican budget ignores the lessons of the past eight years.”