Today, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) issued the following statement via video message after the House passed the Fiscal Year 2014 budget proposal:

“As I travel across California’s 21st Congressional District, one thing is clear – families in the Central Valley are hurting.

“Unemployment in our district is above 14%, that’s almost double the national average. Californians deserve better. We deserve a government who will make tough decisions to create jobs, strengthen safety nets, and preserve retirement programs; while being careful not to burden our children’s future.

“Today, the House of Representatives passed a responsible budget proposal. I acknowledge that this budget proposal is not perfect but it will help grow our economy and create jobs. The problems facing our country are big and it will take courage to provide real solutions. Offering a proposal is the starting point in this process. For too long, Washington politicians have done nothing while our economy has slowed and our safety-net programs have continued to deteriorate. I believe every American should have the opportunity to pursue their American dream. A responsible budget is the first step to ensuring they are able to do so.

“We must remember that the decisions we make today affect our children for the rest of their lives. If Americans under the age of 18 were required to pay off the federal government’s debt today, each child would owe over $218,000. We should be providing our children with the tools they need to succeed in life, not leaving them to deal with the consequences of our irresponsible actions.

“Each year, our government spends about $1 trillion dollars on programs to help those in need, yet poverty rates are the highest of our generation. Over 46 million Americans live below the poverty line. Clearly our current system is not working. We need a new approach that eliminates waste and abuse and ensures that those who truly need assistance receive it. This can be accomplished by eliminating federal bureaucracy and instead giving control back to state and local governments.

“Finally, we must honor our promises and protect Social Security and Medicare so that those who have earned these benefits receive them. We must strengthen these programs so that they are able to fulfill their obligations to current retirees and those nearing retirement. We must also work to protect these programs so that they remain solvent for future generations.

“A balanced budget is a common-sense, responsible goal. Every family in America has to balance their household budget. It’s time Washington does the same.”

Congressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties.