Lubbock Times

The House Budget Committee Republicans have moved forward with the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. This budget proposal aims to provide tax relief for working families and small businesses, address inflation concerns, and allocate resources to border patrol agents and military forces.

Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington emphasized the importance of this resolution, stating, "We have an unprecedented opportunity—and a sacred obligation—to meet this moment with the urgency it demands." He described the budget as a plan to restore America's security and prosperity.

Congressman Addison McDowell criticized current policies, saying, "Americans have endured runaway inflation and a border crisis that has put families in danger." He warned against maintaining what he sees as a broken system.

Congressman Chip Roy expressed concerns about government spending, noting that "our country is suffering from rampant inflation" and emphasizing the need to reduce spending. He praised the budget proposal as a step towards fiscal responsibility.

Budget Vice Chair Lloyd Smucker highlighted support within the conference for the bill. He referenced past successes of tax cuts under previous administrations, arguing that these policies benefited constituents more than those of recent years.

Congressman Ralph Norman focused on tax cuts, asserting that taxpayer money should not be subject to waste or fraud. Congressman Tim Moore assured that Medicare benefits would remain unaffected by the new budget while addressing issues of wasteful spending.

Congressman Buddy Carter discussed Medicaid's role as a safety net program and stressed efforts to reduce fraud within it. Congressman Blake Moore urged bipartisan cooperation to address Social Security's looming shortfall due to demographic changes.

Congressman Jay Obernolte raised concerns about questionable expenditures uncovered in NIH funding reviews. He cited several examples of what he considered wasteful spending on research projects.

Finally, Congressman Marlin Stutzman spoke against policies limiting energy capacity growth. He argued for increased nuclear production and criticized subsidies for green energy initiatives as detrimental in the long term.