Centrist Republicans Led Fight to Protect Critical Investments in Domestic Programs

Many members, on both sides of the aisle, voiced concerns about the budget President Bush submitted to the Congress. In particular, both Democrats and Republicans signaled opposition to the President’s proposals for cuts in critical domestic programs. According to Resnick, "Bipartisan concern should have resulted in a bipartisan budget that protected our nation’s investment in health, education, housing, urban development and veterans service."

"House Democrats, however, weren’t interested in bipartisan compromise," continued Resnick. "Unfortunately, Democrats viewed the budget process this year as little more than just another partisan election year issue."

House Democrats made it clear that they would oppose any budget resolution - regardless of it’s substance. In the end every Democratic member of the House voted against the budget. "Nancy Pelosi and her Democratic colleagues once again put election year politics ahead of their responsibility to the American people to govern," said Resnick.

This election year gambit could have resulted in cuts to critical health, education, housing, urban and veterans programs. Ironically, Democrats were criss-crossing the country, in full election mode, claiming to be the champions of the same programs and initiatives that could have been the victims of their partisan game.

Fortunately for the American people, there are some members of Congress who are committed to doing the work of the people. While the Democrats talk about health care, education and housing, it is centrist Republicans who worked to insure that this year’s budget protects our nation’s critical investments in these programs. While Nancy Pelosi and her colleagues were busy making partisan hay, moderate Republicans in the House, led by Main Street members like Representatives Nancy Johnson (R-CT), Fred Upton (R-MI), and Mike Castle (R-DE) were on the front lines fighting for a budget that reflects American values and priorities.

The budget passed by the House includes an increase of more than $7 billion, over the President’s proposal, for critical domestic initiatives. The House passed budget prioritizes America’s investment in health care, education, housing, urban development and veterans service, while reflecting a commitment to restoring fiscal responsibility.

"Opinion poll after opinion poll show the American people are fed up with politics as usual in DC. The opinion polls show an overwhelming majority of Americans disapprove of the way Congress - both Republicans and Democrats - are conducting business. Democrats should remember that they have an obligation to do the work of the American people, not just engage in partisan political games. Centrist Republicans have heard the concerns of voters and will continue to work for pragmatic, sensible solutions to the complex problems of the day," concluded Resnick.