Udall Statement on President's Budget Proposal

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement about the President Obama's Fiscal Year 2015 budget request:

"The president's budget is a statement of the administration's priorities for the year to come, and overall, it contains good news for New Mexicans. It continues to roll back the devastating sequestration cuts that risked jobs and threatened our state's economy. Fiscally responsible investments in innovation and manufacturing, improving education and training, pro-work tax cuts, and immigration reform will create jobs and strengthen our economy. I urge Congress to work together to make these investments a reality to help ensure a brighter future for New Mexico families.

"When it comes to New Mexico's federal installations, there is some very good news. Increased funding for the B61 life extension project and the stockpile stewardship program will enable important work to continue at Sandia and Los Alamos national labs and help keep our nation's stockpile safe, secure and effective.

"I'm also pleased the administration is responding to my requests to make cleanup at Los Alamos a priority. The president's budget proposes stable funding for Los Alamos and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. While this is positive, I will keep fighting for the resources that LANL and WIPP need to keep cleanup on track and ensure the Department of Energy keeps its promise to New Mexico.

"The president is also recommending significant cuts to the defense budget, which reflect the fact that we are finally ending two costly wars that were paid for on our nation's credit card. New Mexico's bases, with their focus on special operations and strategic missions, along with our outstanding airspace for training, are well prepared to carry out the national security missions of the future. The president's budget is just a starting point, and I will continue to fight for New Mexico's bases and labs as we consider his proposal in the Appropriations Committee."