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U.S. Rep. Richard HannaWashington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna today voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Resolution to help restore the U.S. economy and confront the nation’s challenges head-on.

“Our nation is approaching a crisis point,” said Hanna (R,C,I-Barneveld).  “We are borrowing over 40 cents on each dollar we spend and much of it from overseas.  Each and every second, we borrow $58,000 to pay for the spending spree in Washington.”

Hanna said he came to Washington to be serious about solutions to confront the greatest challenges in a responsible way.  This 2012 budget resolution puts America on a path to fiscal responsibility and pays off the national debt over time.

“This budget strengthens and preserves Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, while ensuring that no one 55 or older sees any change in their benefits,” Hanna said.  “It cuts government spending by about $6 trillion over the next decade and bans earmarks.”

The budget, constructed by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, calls for closure of tax loopholes and promotes keeping tax rates low and predictable for individuals and businesses to encourage job growth.  It also incorporates the goal of the American Competitiveness Act, the first bill that Hanna introduced earlier this year in Congress, which puts the tax rate at 25 percent for American businesses.

“This rate will allow our companies to keep and create jobs here and do what Americans have always done best – compete,” Hanna said.  “Estimates show that this budget creates almost one million private sector jobs next year and would result in an additional $1,000 per year in family income.

Hanna continued, “This is a responsible and optimistic budget that Americans deserve.  It allows the United States and Upstate New York to be a society of opportunity and prosperity, while preserving the social safety net for the most vulnerable among us.  This is the beginning of a serious and overdue debate.  I am glad that the moment has come.”

Hanna commented that he’s received input throughout the process from residents of the 24th Congressional District.

“This is just the beginning of a serious and overdue debate over putting our fiscal house in order,” Hanna said.  “I am glad that the moment has come and I urge citizens in my district to continue to remain involved in the process.”

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