Cherry Creek - Congressman Mark Udall (D-Boulder) responded toughly to President Bush's budget proposal, already considered dead on arrival on Capitol Hill.

“The president’s budget continues more of the irresponsible fiscal policies that have plunged our nation into record debt. It is critical that Congress work in a bipartisan fashion to produce a budget that reflects our nation's values and priorities and that restores fiscal discipline. We cannot ignore the budget deficits and debt that threaten our national security and economic prosperity.

“After looking at the president’s budget one thing is clear: the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are consuming a significant portion of our national treasure. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that we need to find a responsible end to the war in Iraq so that we can focus on domestic priorities that are of great importance to Coloradans, like health care, education and energy independence.

“The budget has some good news for military installations in Colorado, such as construction money for facilities at Schriever, Fort Carson and a new VA hospital at Fitzsimons. Fort Carson will see a large influx of new personnel as a result of base realignment and closure and I will continue to work to make sure that Fort Carson has the funding to meet the needs of its soldiers and their families.

“Last year, the president visited the National Renewable Energy Lab and in his State of the Union address two weeks ago he called for a greater commitment to energy independence. Yet his proposed budget cuts NREL funding by $6.1 million, while fossil fuels and nuclear energy each get over a 30% increase. Where is the balance in this budget and where is the dedication to energy independence? The president needs to walk his talk, and if he will not, I will work with the new Congress to increase funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. Energy independence is so critical to our national security, our energy security and our economy that we cannot afford to shortchange programs that will move us forward.