Republicans praised House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan's
budget proposal that would slash federal spending by $5.1 trillion over the next decade as a strong example of fiscal responsibility that will get Americans working again.
"Republicans are continuing to build on our plan to get Americans working again," House Speaker John Boehner said in a statement. "This fiscal blueprint helps people who work hard and do the right thing by promoting an all-of-the-above energy strategy, overhauling the tax code, repealing Obamacare, strengthening entitlement programs, and beginning to pay down our debt.
"This adds up to more jobs and more security for hard-working people, and less spending and less government in Washington," the Ohio Republican said. "Only Republicans are listening to hard-working people and offering a plan for a stronger economy and a better, more prosperous future."
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia said the plan demonstrated that Republicans "have an obligation to working middle-class families to ensure that their government is accountable, lives within its means and provides access to opportunity.
"It is not fair, and it is not acceptable, to simply sit by and accept the status quo — as Democrats have chosen to do, time and time again," Cantor continued in a statement.
"Senate Democrats only offer a budget when their paychecks are on the line, so I am proud that House Republicans will once again show America our vision for a more prosperous future, as we have done every year since taking the majority."
Ryan, the 2012 GOP vice presidential candidate, proposed a budget that cut $5.1 trillion in federal spending over the next decade and would balance the government's books with cuts in such social programs as food stamps, Obamacare, farm subsidies and Pell Grants to students.
The proposal also would reprise a voucher-like Medicare program for retirees who enroll in the program in 2024, allowing them to buy health insurance on the open market. The program would drive down government debt over the long term, Ryan said.
But by 2017, the budget would restore Pentagon spending to pre-sequestration levels, or by $483 billion over 10 years. That increase would be offset by the other proposed reductions.
"By cutting wasteful spending, strengthening key priorities, and laying the foundation for a stronger economy, we have shown the American people there's a better way forward," the Wisconsin Republican said in a statement.
Rep. Tom Price, the budget committee's vice chairman, said the blueprint "demonstrates our priorities: balancing our federal budget in a decade, cutting spending, paying off our national debt, saving and strengthening vital health and retirement programs, repairing America's 'safety-net' programs, reforming the tax code — and putting an end to corporate welfare, cronyism and waste.
"House Republicans are committed to policies that correct our haphazard fiscal course, foster economic growth, spur job creation, safeguard national security, harness domestic energy, restore patient-centered healthcare, and eliminate poverty," the Georgia congressman said in a statement. "We can accomplish all of these without taking more from hardworking American families to spend more in Washington."
The plan is "a serious proposal that balances our budget and helps our economy grow," said Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn.
"Our nation is $17.4 trillion in debt, and if we want to preserve this nation for our children and grandchildren, we must reform the way Washington works," she said in a statement.
"The president’s budget proposal simply kicks the can down the road by proposing new taxes and more spending while never bringing our books to balance."
And Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma said in a statement that "House Republicans have again shown that we are willing to find the long-term reforms that positively change the trajectory of our debt, grow the economy and create jobs.
"In the days ahead, it is critical that both sides work together and find common ground, so we can provide hope of a better future for our children and grandchildren."
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