Herb Kohl: “I will be supporting this budget resolution and would like to offer a few observations as we go forward. I begin by…”

“I will be supporting this budget resolution and would like to offer a few observations as we go forward. I begin by expressing my appreciation to the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, as well as their talented staff. Plotting a fiscal roadmap is a difficult task. While everyone may not agree on the outcome, I think we all appreciate and commend the dedication and expertise of those who are at the center of the process. Sandwiched as it was, between Super Bowl Sunday and Super Tuesday, the President's budget generated only passing scrutiny beyond the beltway when it was submitted earlier this year. I believe the budget before us improves on that plan substantially. The President put forward a $3 trillion budget with near-record projected deficits and the biggest defense expenditure since World War II. It recycled a number of ill-advised proposals that have been roundly rejected in the past. It put the squeeze on Medicare and Medicaid. And it shortchanged future generations. Congress can and will do better in addressing the challenges Americans face on education, health care, job creation, crime prevention, and high energy costs. I look forward to working with Democrats and Republicans alike in developing bills that put the priorities of the American people first. This budget invests in education by increasing resources for education and training programs.”