SACRAMENTO, CA (RPRN) 04/03/09-Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the budget resolution for that will set the priorities for 2010.  We have waited for, worked for, and hoped for the day that we would be able to pass a budget that is truly a statement of our national values. Finally, that day has come.  This budget upholds the American principles of opportunity, security, responsibility, and fairness.

It upholds the principle of fairness with tax cuts for the middle class, including the fastest tax cut in history for 95 percent of American workers.  It upholds the principle of fairness with health care for all Americans as a right, not a privilege.  The budget will not only create a healthier America, but it will also help by lowering health care costs.  By curtailing the rising costs of Medicare and Medicaid, health care reform will significantly reduce the deficit.

This budget upholds the principle of security.  The first responsibility we have, as elected officials, is to keep the American people safe, and honor the brave Americans who protect our freedom.  I am proud that this budget gives the biggest increase ever to our nation’s veterans.  In fact, this is the first time a President has submitted a budget to Congress which exceeds the veterans’ independent budget.  On the battlefield, the military promises to leave no soldier behind, and when they come home, we promise to leave no veteran behind.

This budget upholds the principle of responsibility by putting us back on track to reduce the budget deficit.  This budget also reflects the principle of responsibility by creating a path to energy independence through investments in renewable energy.

This budget upholds the principle of opportunity by advancing the President’s investments in education — from early childhood through post-secondary education and training. It also supports the President’s goal of improving education and training a workforce that is prepared to compete and succeed in the 21st century global economy.

For more information about the budget passed by the House of Representatives, please click here.

Continuing on Our Path Toward Energy Independence
When I first became Speaker, I made energy independence my flagship issue, and I am pleased with the progress we have made over the past two years.  But there is more that needs to be done.

The discussion draft of comprehensive clean energy legislation released on March 31st by Chairmen Henry A. Waxman and Edward J. Markey is a strong starting point.  President Obama has called for landmark legislation to launch a clean energy economy that will build prosperity and balance the needs of the American people and industry.  The final draft of this legislation will do just that.

As was the case with the Energy Independence and Security Act in 2007, House leaders will work closely with the committees of jurisdiction to advance this critical legislation.

The final energy legislation will: create millions of new, green jobs; increase our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil; increase American competitiveness by making us a technology leader; meet the climate crisis with sound science; and reduce overall energy costs for consumers and businesses.

We will continue to hear the best ideas about how to tackle the challenge from a broad range of stakeholders, with the intention of having legislation on the floor this year.  This effort is both historic and overdue.

I look forward to working with my colleagues over the next few months to do all that we can to create American energy independence.

Please feel free to forward this information to your family and friends.  To learn more about these efforts, to express your views, or to sign up for email updates, please visit my Web site.

Sincerely, Member of Congress