From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R,IL)…
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11) today issued the following statement in support of H.Con.Res 34, the House Republicans’ “Path to Prosperity” plan:
“America stands at a critical crossroads – Should Washington wade deeper in the red and follow the President’s budget proposal? Or, should we chart a new way forward under the House Republicans’ budget resolution?
“It’s no secret that we cannot continue down this reckless trajectory. Our nation’s total debt has already hit an all-time high of more than $14.2 trillion and is alarmingly close to reaching the federal debt ceiling. We’ve kicked the can down the road for too long and now, there’s no more road left.
“I applaud today’s House passage of the Republican’s budget for Fiscal Year 2012 called ‘The Path to Prosperity.’ In stark contrast, this budget cuts more than $6 trillion in spending from the President’s budget over the next decade.
“House Republicans are coming forward with the solutions the American people called for last November. This resolution cultivates certainty for private-sector job creation, implements spending controls and ensures economic prosperity for our children and grandchildren.
“In addition to paving a way for our nation get back on track toward economic security and prosperity, the Republican budget also saves and strengthens essential programs such as Medicare for today’s seniors, and for our children and grandchildren. Under our current trajectory, Medicare will be bankrupt in less than a decade. This plan preserves current Medicare plans for those in and nearing retirement while guaranteeing personalized Medicare programs for future generations.
“Those 55 years and older will see absolutely no change in their current Medicare plan. Those 54 and younger will receive a payment and a list of guaranteed coverage options through Medicare so recipients are able to choose the best plan for their needs, rather than the government choosing for you. This is the same system that members of Congress have. Medicare would also offer further assistance for lower-income beneficiaries or those with greater health conditions. There are no vouchers and no cuts to Medicare included in this plan.
“This budget refuels our economy to create an environment for businesses to grow jobs with fundamental tax reform; protects the security of health and retirement plans; and begins to reduce our deficit now to leave our children with a country free from debt, doubt and despair.
“One political party is not solely responsible for this debt crisis. However, the true test lays in our next step — How we control spending and budget to ensure the fiscal soundness of this country for future generations to come.”