CLAIM: The president is ready to work with Congress on a serious budget.
- “Let’s set party interests aside, and work to pass a budget that replaces reckless cuts with smart savings and wise investments in our future....” (President Obama, State of the Union Address, February 12, 2013)
FACT: Senate Democrats haven’t passed a budget in nearly four years. The president’s is late again (for the fourth time). Neither have a plan to replace the Obama sequester.
- The last time Senate Democrats passed a budget was April 29, 2009 – nearly four years ago. One Democratic leader called budgeting “foolish.”
- Only now that their paychecks are on the line under the GOP-led No Budget, No Pay Act are Senate Democrats talking about passing a budget. The “no budget, no pay” effort is supported by 72 percent of the American people.
- “Ordinary people … meet their deadlines,” said President Obama. But his budget is late for the fourth time. That's the most of any president. Ever. [SEE INFOGRAPHIC]
- When the president finally submitted a budget last year, it received zero votes in the House and Democrat-controlled Senate. Zero.
- House Republicans have routinely sought to address major challenges: the House passed budgets in 2011 and 2012 that protect and strengthen our entitlement programs for future generations; first voted to replace the president's sequester in May 2012 and to address the rest of the "fiscal cliff" in August 2012; and more.
- CLICK HERE FOR HIGH-RES VERSION OF THE GRAPHIC ABOVE
BOEHNER QUOTE: “We’re committed to doing a budget on the House side – a budget that will balance over the next 10 years. It’s time for the Senate and the president to show the American people how they’re willing to balance the budget over the next 10 years.” (Speaker Boehner to Senate Democrats: “It’s Time to Do Your Job,” 1/23/13)
* * * * * Stay tuned for Republican Address to the Nation – LIVE on GOP.gov/SOTU – immediately following the State of the Union message. * * * * *