President Trump’s budget proposal drew mixed reviews from Florida’s two members of the Senate
As most of Washington does their best to get a handle on the budget proposed by President Donald Trump it is clear that both Republicans and Democrats have strong thoughts about it. Both sides have not been shy when talking about the $1.15 Trillion Budget Proposal that called for some of the boldest cuts in decades.
Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (D) told the Miami Herald, “This plan cuts some of our most critical programs including Medicaid and food stamps,” said Nelson. “It also cuts funding to agencies such as NIH, which is working to find cures for cancer and Alzheimer’s, and the EPA, which protects our environment. Slashing these vital programs will hurt millions of hardworking families. We should be focused on helping people, not hurting those who need our help the most.”
Nelson said the budget would also eliminate Amtrak service in Florida a service that more than 950,000 used in the last fiscal year.
Sen. Marco Rubio chose to release a statement and he found some things in the budget he liked but he also had some issues with the deep cuts proposed.
Here is Rubio’s statement:
“The president’s budget reflects what his administration’s priorities are. I am very encouraged that this budget supports ideas like the Educational Opportunities Act I first introduced in 2013 with the goal of expanding school choice through tax credit incentives for scholarships to low-income students. It’s a promising sign that we’ll be able to work with the administration on school choice policies I care deeply about because of the positive impact they can have in providing hardworking families with better school options for their kids. I also welcome the president’s desire to begin reversing the damaging impact of sequestration on our military’s readiness, and believe he’ll find strong support in Congress for this key part of his budget blueprint.
“While this budget blueprint offers insights into the president’s thinking about what’s important to his administration and the American people, it is Congress that will actually set the nation’s policy priorities and fund them. I will continue to review all the details of this budget proposal for areas of common interest we can work on together.
“However, I do not support the proposed 28 percent cut to our international affairs budget and diplomatic efforts led by the State Department. These programs are integral to our national security, and cuts at these levels undermine America’s ability to keep our citizens safe. In order to advance our national security interests, economic opportunity for our people and respect for human dignity everywhere, America’s leadership on the global stage is indispensable. I will be working to ensure Congress’ funding priorities allow America to play this role.”
It should be noted that presidential budgets are just guideposts and the final document that reaches President Trump’s desk won’t look anything like the draft. Both Sens. Rubio and Nelson will have plenty to say about the final draft of the budget.
