Udall Statement After Voting Against Republican Budget, which Fails NM Families

WASHINGTON - Early this morning, U.S. Senator Tom Udall voted against the unprecedented $5 trillion in cuts proposed in the Republican budget. A nonbinding guideline for Congress as it begins the annual appropriations process to fund the government, the budget was passed by a vote of 52-46. Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the vote:

"Instead of investing in working families and child well-being, the Republican budget slashes services that New Mexicans depend on. We simply can't afford $5 trillion in cuts to education, child care, Medicare, law enforcement, and the dozens of other harmful policies this budget imposes. Many New Mexicans are still struggling to pull out of the worst recession in over 75 years, and the Republican budget would halt our state's economic recovery - all while lowering taxes for millionaires and billionaires.

"We deserve a budget that gives our kids a fair shot, grows our economy and helps create good-paying jobs. During this week's budget debate, I sponsored and voted for dozens of common-sense amendments that would move New Mexico forward. I supported a plan to allow borrowers to refinance their student loans, another to ensure women earn equal pay for equal work, and an amendment to end harmful, indiscriminate sequestration cuts. I also voted for proposals to expand access to preschool for moderate- and low-income families, to support Medicare and Social Security, raise the minimum wage, and to create jobs by investing in infrastructure and renewable energy.

"These should be our priorities, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee I will keep fighting for smart investments in our nation's future as Congress debates actual spending levels to fund the government - especially an end to the across-the-board sequestration budget cuts that have been devastating to New Mexico and our key federal facilities. I hope we can work together to find common ground on a plan to get our economy back on track and move New Mexico families forward - because I won't let us return to the failed policies of the past."