February 07,2000

Roth Statement on Clinton Budget

WASHINGTON -- Senate Finance Committee Chairman William V. Roth, Jr. (R-DE) today issued the following statement in response to President Clinton's FY 2001 budget:

"In studying the President's budget, there's no question that common ground exists between us. We share an interest in decreasing the federal debt, in further opening foreign markets to American products. The President agrees that we must reduce taxes. And we agree that Medicare must provide a prescription drug benefit in its comprehensive reform, but we must go even further to ensure that Medicare reform be real reform.

"However, this budget is laden with new spending initiatives. Additionally, debt reduction is too slim. Real tax cuts are too few. Reforms to the tax code are too timid. I am also disappointed that the President did not use his budget to introduce new comprehensive proposals for Social Security reform. These, I believe, are missed opportunities -- opportunities that cannot afford to be lost.

"Few times have conditions been so ripe to build a strong foundation for a promising future. We need to give Americans everywhere the tools to excel in the new economy. We need to use this moment to preserve and strengthen important programs like Medicare and Social Security. And we need to lessen the tax burden on the American family.

"We have many of the same goals. I hope that this year we can build on this common ground, and not miss the opportunities before us."

The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on the President's FY 2000 budget on Tuesday, February 8, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. in 215 Dirksen Senate Office Building.