WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, today voted for a budget resolution conference report that will provide a blueprint for the development of FY2016 appropriations bills and move the nation toward a balanced budget.

 

The budget resolution (S.Con.Res.11) sets forth the parameters for the congressional budget for the U.S. government for FY2016 and establishes budgetary levels for fiscal years 2017 through 2025 that will move the federal budget toward balance without increasing taxes.

 

“After years without the Senate and House agreeing on a federal budget, I’m pleased that committees will have the guidance provided by this budget resolution.  This is not a perfect plan, but it is much more responsible than the big-spending budget proposed by President Obama.  It addresses Obamacare’s failed policies and recognizes that we must act to control the federal debt and rein in the reach of the federal government,” Cochran said.

 

“I expect the Senate Appropriations Committee to write 12 appropriations bills that conform to the spending guidelines in this resolution.  This will be a challenge, but one that we fully intend to meet by producing responsible, thoughtful bills to meet our commitments to our national security and the American people,” he said.

 

The Senate approved the budget resolution on a 51-48 vote.  The House of Representatives approved the budget resolution conference report on April 30.  The budget framework cannot be vetoed by the President.

 

S.Con.Res.11 provides a framework for achieving more than $5 trillion in savings over 10 years, and represents the first joint 10-year balanced budget resolution since 2001.  The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the plan would generate $400 billion in additional economic growth over the next decade.  The measure provides a means to repeal and replace Obamacare through the budget reconciliation process.

 

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