Statement by the Press Secretary on Republican Budget Proposal for FY2012

The President believes that dramatically reducing America’s long-term deficit is essential to growing our economy and winning the future.  Today, Congressman Ryan laid out his vision for how to do that, and he is right that we cannot solve our fiscal challenge by focusing on the narrow slice of domestic spending that has occupied so much of our recent attention.  But while we agree with his ultimate goal, we strongly disagree with his approach.  Any plan to reduce our deficit must reflect the American values of fairness and shared sacrifice.  Congressman Ryan’s plan fails this test.  It cuts taxes for millionaires and special interests while placing a greater burden on seniors who depend on Medicare or live in nursing homes, families struggling with a child who has serious disabilities, workers who have lost their health care coverage, and students and their families who rely on Pell grants.  The President believes there is a more balanced way to put America on a path to prosperity.  But despite our differences, all of us – Democrats and Republicans – have an obligation to find common ground in a way that is true to our values and meets our responsibilities to the American people.